Open AccessObjective and subjective scar aesthetics with topical Manuka honey post‐thyroidectomy: A randomized control study
Author(s) -
Thamboo Andrew,
Mulholland Graeme,
Matthews Kathleen,
Ayoub Noel,
Anderson Donald
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
world journal of otorhinolaryngology ‐ head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2589-1081
pISSN - 2095-8811
DOI - 10.1016/j.wjorl.2016.07.003
Subject(s) - manuka honey , aesthetics , thyroidectomy , medicine , art , thyroid , biology , food science
Objective Leptospermum Honey (Manuka honey) has proven to be effective in improving acute and chronic wound healing presumably due to its antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory properties. The aim is to determine if Manuka honey decreases scar formation and results in a cosmetically appealing scar. Methods A prospective single‐blinded randomized control trial was performed. All patients received an 8 cm incision. Patients randomized to honey treatment were instructed to apply Manuka honey paste topically to the incision site once per day post surgery for 4 weeks. The patients' scar was then analyzed objectively by a blinded observer and subjectively at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively. The primary outcome measure used was the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Results A total of 21 patients completed the entire scar analysis (honey treatment = 9, standard treatment = 12). There was no statistically significant difference between patient scar assessment scale and observer scar assessment scale at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively. Conclusion Despite Leptospermum Honey's reported anti‐inflammatory and antibacterial properties, this study did not show a difference in scar appearance when applied.