Abstract

Cutaneous development is highly dependent on gestational maturity, making wound management difficult and critical to the well being and survival of neonates. This case demonstrates the successful use of a medical grade honey product in the management of open amputation wounds in a preterm 28-week gestation neonate.

Taking into account the known benefits of honey in wound care and applying them in this scenario, post-operative use of the medical grade honey product demonstrated rapid wound healing with once daily application for 15 days. No side effects were observed, with minimal to no scarring. Upon follow-up at 7 months the results remained esthetically acceptable.

Lack of research regarding wounds and their respective management in neonates and infants makes it difficult to establish standards of care. Continued studies are necessary so that NICUs may be better prepared to successfully receive these fragile patients. Medical grade honey may hold the potential to be incorporated into wound management protocols throughout hospitals around the world.