There is a line of Medihoney dressings that have just been approved for over the counter (OTC) use for wounds with light drainage. These OTC dressings should be available early 2009. Prices for these OTC dressings are likely to be in the $6 to $12 range.

Beware that not all honey-containing wound products are equal. Medihoney contains a special kind of honey, manuka honey, that is known for its healing properties. Because of its potential benefits for the skin, there are a variety of other products out there that contain manuka honey including soaps, lotion and creams. Most of these items are for cosmetic purposes, however, and are not approved for wound healing.  Manuka honey is harvested primarily in New Zealand and Australia.

Also keep in mind that medical grade honey is filtered and irradiated so it is hygienically suitable to treat wounds. Other honey containing products that do not go through this process may contain spores and other contaminants. For this reason it is important to refrain from using grocery store honey for treating wounds.

There have been studies that have looked at the healing effects of honey. Manuka honey is the most studied honey of them all. Most studies have found that manuka honey is effective in treating a variety of types of wounds. Most experts agree that honey containing products like Medihoney can be useful in promoting wound healing, although like any other drug they should be used with caution. Although there are really no side effects associated with Medihoney, people who have allergies to bees or bee products should not use honey-containing products for wound healing.