Medihoney Dressing Guide: Types, Uses, and How to Choose

Medihoney dressings have become a trusted solution for wound care, harnessing the natural healing power of medical-grade honey. Known for their ability to promote faster healing, reduce infection, and soothe sensitive skin, these dressings are an essential addition to any first-aid kit. Discover how Medihoney can provide safe, effective relief and why it’s a favorite among healthcare professionals and everyday consumers alike.

Comparison Table: Types and Variations of Medihoney Dressing

Product Type	Main Ingredient & Concentration	Form/Texture	Best For	Key Features	Sizes Available [Representative]
Medihoney Wound & Burn Gel	80% Active Manuka (Leptospermum) Honey	Gel	Non-draining to moderately draining wounds	Spreads easily, stays in place	0.5 oz, 1.5 oz, 10g, 20g
Medihoney Wound Paste	100% Active Manuka (Leptospermum) Honey	Thick Paste	Tunneling/undermined wounds, surgical wounds	Highest honey content, stays where applied	0.5 oz+, 10g+, 20g+
Medihoney Calcium Alginate Dressing	Manuka Honey + Calcium Alginate	Sheet/Pad/Rope	Partial/full-thickness wounds, high exudate	Forms gel on contact with fluid	4″x5″, 2″x2″, 3/4″x12″ rope
Medihoney Honeycolloid & HCS	Manuka Honey + Colloid/gentle foam	Flexible sheet	Pressure ulcers, fragile skin, larger areas	Absorbent, cushioning, conformable	Various (5x5cm, 10x10cm+)
Medihoney Tulle Dressing	95% Active Manuka Honey	Mesh/Net Tulle	Moderately to heavily exuding wounds	For sensitive skin, non-adherent	4″x4″ (unfolds larger)
Medihoney Barrier Cream	Manuka Honey + Emollients	Cream	Peri-wound care, irritation prevention	Moisturizes, protects skin	50g+, sachets

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How to Choose the Right Medihoney Dressing

Selecting a medihoney dressing involves considering the wound type, location, and user needs. Like choosing apparel for your body type or for an occasion, picking a dressing should fit both the wound’s characteristics and your level of activity or care setting. Here’s how to approach your choice:

By Wound Type (Body Type Equivalent)

1. Shallow, Non-Draining or Lightly Draining Wounds (e.g., minor burns, abrasions)

2. Medihoney Gel: Ideal, as it spreads easily and sustains a moist healing environment.

3. Deep, Hard-to-Reach, or Tunneling Wounds

4. Medihoney Paste: Thicker, highly concentrated; stays put in wound cavities.

5. Highly Exuding, Partial or Full Thickness Wounds (e.g., diabetic ulcers, surgical wounds)

6. Calcium Alginate Dressings or Alginate Rope: Excellent for absorbing large amounts of exudate, while releasing honey gradually.

7. Wounds on Delicate Skin or Large Surface Areas

8. Honeycolloid/HCS Sheet or Tulle: Softer, flexible—minimizes trauma to surrounding skin and offers gentle coverage.

9. Protecting Periwound Skin or Preventing Irritation

10. Barrier Cream: To shield healthy skin near wounds from breakdown and moisture.

By Care Setting or Occasion

• Home Care / Everyday Use
  Opt for gel tubes in smaller sizes or pre-cut dressings. Portable, easy applications ensure fast response to minor injuries.

• Hospital/Clinical Setting
  Larger-format dressings, alginate ropes, or honeycolloid sheets are commonly used by healthcare professionals for complex or chronic wounds.

• Outdoor/Emergency Kits
  Compact Medihoney gel tubes or sheets are perfect for hikers, athletes, or safety kits—addressing scrapes, cuts, and burns swiftly.

By Lifestyle (Style Tips)

• If you’re active or on-the-go, choose dressings that adhere well and are easy to cut-to-size (gels or sheets).
• For frail individuals or those with fragile skin (children, elderly), opt for gentle, non-adherent tulle or HCS products.
• For chronic condition management (e.g., diabetes), keep a mix of gel and alginate dressings on hand to handle both dry and exudating ulcers as they change.

Accessorizing Your Wound Care (Completing the Dressing Protocol)

• Use secondary absorbent bandages or pads as required, especially for weepy or exuding wounds.
• Consider sterile saline solution for initial cleaning before applying Medihoney.
• Keep sterile scissors handy if using sheet or rope dressings that may require resizing.
• For best results, integrate Medihoney with a consistent wound care routine—changing dressings as advised or when the absorbent pad reaches capacity.

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Practical Tips and Best Practices for Choosing and Using Medihoney Dressing

Tips for Selection

• Match Wound Depth/Size to Dressing Format:
  Deep wounds: Paste or rope.
  Flat, broad wounds: Sheets, gel, or tulle.

• Assess Drainage:
  High exudate: Calcium alginate or tulle.
  Low exudate: Gel or paste.

• Check for Allergies:
  Medihoney is considered low allergen, but those with bee product allergies should use with caution.

• Consider Change Frequency:
  Alginate dressings may last longer (up to 7 days), gel/paste may need daily change depending on wound condition.

Application Best Practices

1. Cleanse First:
   Use saline solution to gently clean the wound bed before application.

2. Apply Medihoney Product:

3. For gel and paste, spread directly onto the wound with a sterile applicator or gloved finger.
4. For sheet or tulle dressings, cut to size and place covering the affected area.

5. For rope/alginate, fill gently into tunnels or cavities.

6. Cover with Secondary Dressing:
   Use an absorbent pad or gauze to hold honey dressings in place and capture any exudate.

1. Monitor and Change:
   Replace when the absorbent pad is saturated, when instructed by your healthcare provider, or sooner if signs of infection or irritation develop.

Usage Advice

• Wear-time:
  Keep dressing on for 12–24 hours up to 7 days, depending on type and exudate levels.
• Observe:
  Monitor for adverse reactions (itching, rash, increased pain). If irritation persists, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
• Layer Wisely:
  Apply a thin layer; thick layers are not necessarily more effective and may slow drainage of wound fluid.
• Secondary Bandaging:
  Medihoney isn’t usually adhesive—secure with tape, wrap, or bandages as needed.

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Technical Comparison Table: Features & Specifications

Product Name	Honey Concentration	Texture/Form	Absorbency Level	Wear Time	Sterility	Suitable Wound Types
Medihoney Wound Gel	80%	Smooth Gel	Low-Moderate	12–24 hrs (may vary)	Sterile	Superficial, partial-thickness, moderate exudate
Medihoney Wound Paste	100%	Thick Paste	Low	12–24 hrs	Sterile	Deep, undermined, hard-to-dress
Medihoney Calcium Alginate Dressing	Varies (with alginate)	Sheet/Rope/Pad	High	Up to 7 days	Sterile	Partial/full-thickness, high exudate
Medihoney Honeycolloid/HCS	Varies (with colloid)	Sheet/Foam	Moderate	Up to 7 days	Sterile	Pressure ulcers, delicate skin
Medihoney Tulle Dressing	~95%	Tulle Net	Moderate-High	1–3 days	Sterile	Fragile skin, high exudate
Medihoney Barrier Cream	Lower (w/emollients)	Cream	N/A (not for wound bed)	Reapply as needed	Sterile	Periwound, skin protection only

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Related Video

Conclusion

Medihoney dressings represent a unique fusion of ancient natural healing and modern medical science. With formulations leveraging the powerful antibacterial and healing properties of medical-grade Manuka (Leptospermum) honey, these dressings are clinically proven to help manage a wide range of acute and chronic wounds.

Selecting the appropriate Medihoney dressing involves matching the wound’s characteristics—such as depth, drainage level, and skin sensitivity—to the specific form of Medihoney. Whether managing minor scrapes at home, chronic diabetic ulcers, or postoperative wounds, there’s a Medihoney product tailored for the job.

By using best practices in wound cleansing, application, and dressing selection, you can maximize healing, minimize infection risk, and provide compassionate, effective care for yourself or loved ones.

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FAQ

1. What makes Medihoney different from regular honey?
   Medihoney is made from 100% medical-grade Manuka (Leptospermum) honey, which contains higher levels of antibacterial compounds like methylglyoxal (MGO) compared to store-bought honey. Medihoney is sterilized, tested for purity, and designed for safe use on wounds.

2. Can Medihoney treat all types of wounds?
   Medihoney is suitable for most wound types, including burns, ulcers (diabetic, venous, arterial, pressure), surgical and traumatic wounds, and donor sites. Paste and rope forms are ideal for deep or tunneling wounds, while sheets and gels are better for surface wounds.

3. Do I need a prescription to buy Medihoney dressings?
   No prescription is required. Medihoney dressings are FDA-cleared for over-the-counter sale in the United States and can be purchased online and in major pharmacies.

4. How often should I change a Medihoney dressing?
   Change frequency depends on wound type and drainage:

5. Gels/pastes: typically every 12–24 hours

6. Calcium alginate dressings: up to 7 days or when the secondary pad is saturated
   Follow your healthcare provider’s advice for best results.

7. Are there any side effects to using Medihoney?
   Most users tolerate Medihoney well. Occasionally, people with bee product allergies may experience local irritation, redness, or mild stinging. If irritation or allergic reaction occurs, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

1. How do I apply Medihoney dressings correctly?
   Clean the wound with a saline solution, pat dry, then apply the chosen Medihoney dressing or gel. Cover with a sterile absorbent secondary dressing. Secure as needed and follow manufacturer or provider guidance on change frequency.

2. Can Medihoney be used on children or elderly patients?
   Yes, Medihoney is generally safe for all ages. Choose gentler formats like tulle or HCS sheets for sensitive skin, and always supervise use in children or those unable to communicate discomfort.

3. Is there any risk of the wound sticking to the dressing?
   Medihoney aids in gentle, moist wound healing and usually prevents dressings from adhering to the wound bed. For dry wounds, pairing with a non-adherent secondary dressing or using more gel can help.

4. Will Medihoney help prevent scarring?
   While no dressing guarantees scar prevention, Medihoney’s anti-inflammatory properties, moisture balance, and collagen regulation help reduce abnormal scarring and promote optimal healing.

5. Can Medihoney dressings be used alongside other treatments?
   Medihoney can often be integrated into a broader wound care plan. However, avoid applying it with strong topical antiseptics unless instructed by a healthcare provider. Always inform your care team about all products you’re using for wound management.

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Use this shopping guide as your comprehensive reference to identify, select, and use the right Medihoney dressing for optimal wound care outcomes.