Healing of an MRSA-colonized, hydroxyurea-induced leg ulcer with honey

J Dermatolog Treat. 2001 Mar;12(1):33-6. doi: 10.1080/095466301750163563.

Abstract

Background: With the everincreasing emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, in particular methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in leg ulcers, a means of reducing the bacterial bioburden of such ulcers, other than by the use of either topical or systemic antibiotics, is urgently required.

Methods: We report the case of an immunosuppressed patient who developed a hydroxyurea-induced leg ulcer with subclinical MRSA infection which was subsequently treated with topical application of manuka honey, without cessation of hydroxyurea or cyclosporin.

Results: MRSA was eradicated from the ulcer and rapid healing was successfully achieved.

Conclusion: Honey is recognized to have antibacterial properties, and can also promote effective wound healing. A traditional therapy, therefore, appears to have enormous potential in solving new problems.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Honey*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxyurea / adverse effects*
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Leg Ulcer / drug therapy*
  • Leg Ulcer / microbiology
  • Methicillin Resistance
  • Middle Aged
  • Staphylococcal Skin Infections / chemically induced*
  • Staphylococcal Skin Infections / drug therapy*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Hydroxyurea