Eczema is a common skin condition that causes inflammation, itching, and dryness. It can affect any part of the body, but it often occurs on the hands, feet, face, and elbows. Eczema can be triggered by various factors, such as stress, allergies, irritants, and infections.
There is no cure for eczema, but there are many treatments available to manage the symptoms and prevent complications. One of these treatments is manuka honey, a special type of honey that comes from the manuka tree in New Zealand. Manuka honey has been used for centuries by the indigenous people of New Zealand for its healing properties, and it is now gaining popularity around the world for its potential benefits for eczema.
But how does manuka honey work for eczema? What are the scientific evidence and the practical tips for using it? And what are the possible risks and side effects? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more, so you can decide if manuka honey is a sweet solution for your eczema.
What is Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey is a type of honey that bees make from the nectar of the manuka tree, also known as the tea tree. The manuka tree grows only in New Zealand and some parts of Australia, and it has been used by the Maori people for its medicinal properties.
Manuka honey is different from other types of honey because it contains a high concentration of a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO), which gives it strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. MGO is measured in units of UMF (Unique Manuka Factor), which indicates the potency of the honey. The higher the UMF, the more MGO the honey contains, and the more effective it is against bacteria and microbes.
Manuka honey also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the skin. Additionally, manuka honey can stimulate wound healing and tissue regeneration, by activating the immune system and promoting the growth of new skin cells.
How Can Manuka Honey Help Eczema?
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to infections and irritants. Manuka honey can help eczema in several ways, such as:
- Fighting infections: Eczema can cause the skin to crack and bleed, which can lead to bacterial or fungal infections. These infections can worsen the symptoms and complicate the treatment of eczema. Manuka honey can kill various types of bacteria and fungi, including those that are resistant to antibiotics, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans12. By applying manuka honey to the affected areas, you can prevent or treat infections and reduce the need for antibiotics.
- Reducing inflammation: Eczema causes the skin to become red, swollen, and itchy, which can cause discomfort and distress. Manuka honey can reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that trigger the inflammatory response3. By applying manuka honey to the inflamed areas, you can soothe the skin and relieve the itching.
- Moisturizing the skin: Eczema can cause the skin to lose moisture and become dry and flaky, which can impair the skin barrier and make it more prone to irritation. Manuka honey can moisturize the skin by drawing water from the air and retaining it in the skin4. By applying manuka honey to the dry areas, you can hydrate the skin and improve its texture and appearance.
- Healing the skin: Eczema can cause the skin to become damaged and scarred, which can affect the skin function and aesthetics. Manuka honey can heal the skin by stimulating the immune system and the production of collagen, which are essential for tissue repair and regeneration5. By applying manuka honey to the wounded areas, you can accelerate the healing process and reduce the scarring.
How to Use Manuka Honey for Eczema?
If you want to use manuka honey for eczema, you should follow these steps:
- Choose the right honey: Not all manuka honey is created equal. You should look for medical-grade manuka honey, which is filtered and sterilized to remove any contaminants and impurities. You should also check the UMF rating of the honey, which indicates the concentration of MGO. The higher the UMF, the more potent the honey is. For eczema, you should choose a honey with a UMF of at least 10+, which means it contains at least 263 mg of MGO per kg of honey.
- Apply the honey: You should apply a thin layer of manuka honey to the affected areas of your skin, using clean hands or a sterile spatula. You should avoid rubbing or scratching the skin, as this can cause further irritation and damage. You should also avoid applying the honey to open wounds or broken skin, as this can cause stinging and burning sensations.
- Cover the honey: You should cover the honey with a bandage or a gauze, to prevent it from dripping or staining your clothes. You should also protect the honey from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture, as these can reduce the effectiveness of the honey. You should change the dressing at least once a day, or more often if it becomes wet or dirty.
- Remove the honey: You should gently remove the dressing and the honey from your skin, using warm water and a mild soap. You should pat your skin dry with a soft towel, and avoid rubbing or scratching it. You should also apply a moisturizer to your skin, to lock in the moisture and prevent dryness.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about manuka honey and eczema:
- How long does it take to see results? The results of using manuka honey for eczema may vary depending on the severity of your condition, the quality of the honey, and the frequency of the application. Some people may see improvements in a few days, while others may need weeks or months to notice any changes. You should be patient and consistent with your treatment, and consult your doctor if you have any concerns or questions.
- Are there any side effects or risks? Manuka honey is generally safe and well-tolerated by most people, but there are some potential side effects and risks that you should be aware of. These include:
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to honey or to the pollen or nectar of the manuka tree. If you have a history of allergies or asthma, you should do a patch test before using manuka honey, by applying a small amount of honey to a healthy area of your skin and waiting for 24 hours. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, you should stop using the honey and seek medical attention immediately.
- Diabetes: Manuka honey contains natural sugars, which can raise your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, you should monitor your blood sugar levels closely and adjust your medication accordingly. You should also limit the amount of honey you consume orally, and consult your doctor before using manuka honey.
- Interactions: Manuka honey may interact with some medications or supplements, such as anticoagulants, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory drugs. If you are taking any medication or supplement, you should check with your doctor or pharmacist before using manuka honey, to avoid any adverse effects or reduced efficacy.
- Can I eat manuka honey? Yes, you can eat manuka honey, as long as you are not allergic to it or have diabetes. Eating manuka honey may have some benefits for your overall health, such as boosting your immune system, improving your digestion, and fighting infections. However, you should not rely on eating manuka honey alone to treat your eczema, as the effects may be minimal or delayed. You should also limit the amount of honey you eat, as too much honey can cause weight gain, tooth decay, or digestive issues. The World Health Organization recommends that adults should consume no more than 25 grams of sugar per day, which is equivalent to about six teaspoons of honey.
Summary
Manuka honey is a type of honey that has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound healing properties. It may help treat eczema by fighting infections, reducing inflammation, moisturizing the skin, and healing the skin. To use manuka honey for eczema, you should choose medical-grade honey with a high UMF rating, apply it to the affected areas, cover it with a dressing, and remove it after a few hours. You should also be aware of the possible side effects and risks, such as allergic reactions, diabetes, and interactions. You can also eat manuka honey, but you should limit the amount and consult your doctor before doing so.
We hope this blog post has been informative and helpful for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And if you have tried manuka honey for eczema, please share your experience and results with us. Thank you for reading and have a sweet day!
By
Your Beauty Plug
