Healing Eczema Flares with Manuka Honey Patches

Using Manuka Honey for Eczema Treatment

Eczema is a common skin condition characterized by itchy, inflamed, and irritated skin. Finding an effective eczema treatment can be difficult, as the condition is often chronic and can flare up unexpectedly. In recent years, manuka honey has gained popularity as a natural eczema remedy. Let's take a closer look at using manuka honey patches and products for eczema.

What is Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey comes from the manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), which is native to New Zealand. It contains unique antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties that make it different from traditional honey. These special properties come from methylglyoxal, a compound found in high levels in manuka honey.

For many years, manuka honey has been used to promote wound healing. More recently, it has also been shown in scientific studies to be beneficial for inflammatory skin conditions like eczema due to its ability to reduce inflammation and fight infection.

Benefits of Manuka Honey for Eczema

Using manuka honey on eczema prone skin has a number of potential benefits:

• Fights skin infections: The antibacterial activity can prevent and treat secondary skin infections that further aggravate eczema. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is common on eczema prone skin.
• Reduces inflammation: Manuka honey has anti-inflammatory effects that can help calm and soothe inflamed eczema lesions.
• Moisturizes skin: The humectant properties help attract and retain moisture in dry eczema skin to prevent further itching and cracking.
• Promotes healing: Bioactive compounds help speed healing of open eczema wounds and lesions on the skin.

The combination of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and healing effects make manuka honey a promising option for controlling eczema flares and improving skin health for those with eczema and extremely sensitive skin.

Using Manuka Honey Patches for Eczema

One of the most effective ways to use manuka honey for eczema treatment is in the form of manuka honey patches or bandages. These specially designed hydrogel patches contain medical grade manuka honey.

The manuka honey patches work by:

• Creating a protective antibacterial barrier over eczema prone areas like the folds of elbows or backs of knees
• Delivering the beneficial active ingredients of manuka honey directly into the deeper layers of the skin
• Providing a moist healing environment to prevent cracking and further irritation
• Absorbing wound fluid and debris from weepy, infected, or open eczema wounds

The barrier of the hydrogel protects the manuka honey from being rubbed off while also keeping the skin hydrated. This makes the honey patches convenient for use even on harder to dress body areas.

How to Use Manuka Honey Eczema Patches

Using manuka honey patches for eczema treatment is easy. Simply follow these steps:

1. Cleanse the affected eczema skin and gently dry.
2. Apply the patch over the irritated or infected area and smooth to ensure full contact with the skin.
3. Leave the manuka honey patch on for at least a few hours or overnight. Longer duration is better for infected eczema.
4. Remove the used patch and repeat with a fresh patch 1-2 times per day as needed.
5. Can be used together with eczema creams or ointments for added moisture. Apply products after removing patches.

For severe weeping eczema, the patches may need to be changed whenever fluid is absorbed and the adhesive doesn't stick well. Using them together with topical steroid medication or when going through immunosuppressant withdrawal can also accelerate healing during those turbulent phases.

Other Manuka Honey Options for Eczema

In addition to adhesive manuka honey patches, there are some other product types to consider trying as well:

• Manuka honey creams/ointments: Topical application of manuka honey mixes for regular moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Wound care manuka gels/solutions: These have thicker honey consistency and are best for oozing eczema, burns, cuts, infections.
• Manuka honey soap: Gentle cleansing bar with antimicrobial honey ideal for sensitive and eczema prone skin.
• Manuka honey masks: Nourishing facial masks featuring manuka honey to control facial eczema and dermatitis flare ups.

The common theme is integrating skin-friendly manuka honey as healing ingredient in skincare. It provides complementary support whether used alone or together with traditional eczema medications.

Key Considerations When Selecting Manuka Honey Products

Not all products containing manuka honey are the same quality. Here are some tips for picking effective manuka honey patches and products for eczema treatment:

• UMF rating of at least 10+: This measures the levels of key antibacterial components like methylglyoxal. Higher is more therapeutic.
• 100% medical grade manuka honey: Should have pure concentrated honey sourced from Leptospermum scoparium from New Zealand.
• Certified organic ingredients: No chemicals or irritants should be added into the formula - natural is ideal.
• Moisturizing base: Creams, gels, patches should contain hydrating elements like aloe, shea butter, olive oil.
• Reputable brand: A reliable and transparent company focused on quality is important.

Doing a little research helps find manuka honey patches and products better suited for the sensitive nature eczema prone skin.

The Takeaway on Manuka Honey for Eczema Treatment

In summary, manuka honey patches provide a promising therapeutic option to help soothe and heal eczema flares affecting both children and adults. The antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties make medical grade manuka honey well suited to improve common eczema skin issues with infection, dryness, cracking, redness, and severe itch.

While more clinical studies are still needed, current research combined with many positive user testimonials support the complementary benefits of adding eczema soothers like manuka honey patches or topical creams. They are ideal as part of a gentle skin regimen for people suffering from moderate to severe eczema symptoms who need extra relief between conventional treatments. Quality products containing therapeutic concentrations of manuka honey can aid chronic eczema rehabilitation, especially when other options may not seem to be working alone.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.