Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe ResearchMedical-Grade HoneyHow to ApplyHoney Allergy
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
The Research
Medical-Grade Honey
How to Apply
Honey Allergy
Honey isn’t just a sweet addition to your tea. It can treat various ailments, including skin conditions such as eczema.While research is limited, applying honey topically may help treat eczema symptoms.Some people may be allergic to honey and should watch for symptoms if using this treatment option. Of course,home remedies for eczemado not replace standard medical care.Graham Montanari / Getty ImagesWhat Does Research Say About Honey for Eczema?In traditional medicine, honey has been used in thetreatment of eczema. However, research on the subject is limited.In one study, researchers evaluated the effectiveness of honey on atopic dermatitis (eczema).Based on clinical and cellular studies,manuka honeywas potentially effective. However, researchers advise further clinical trials to confirm the findings.Eczemais an immune-mediated skin disorder, which means the immune system is over-reactive or sensitive. Eczema often responds to treatments that modify the immune system’s response, likecorticosteroids.In vitro (test tube) and in vivo (living organism)studies have found that honey may promote wound healing and regulate the immune system.In another study, researchers found thatraw honeycould be an effective and cheaper alternative to other anti-inflammatory products for people with eczema,seborrheic dermatitis, andpsoriasis.However, they recommend more clinical trials to confirm the benefits.According to research, honey has the following properties, which may contribute to its skin healing ability:AntioxidantAntimicrobialAnti-inflammatoryImmunomodulatoryMedicinal Use of Honey Throughout TimeEvidence of using honey as medicine goes back to Stone Age paintings. Some examples of how honey has been used medicinally through the ages include:Ayurveda: Digestion, cough, oral health, insomnia, skin disorders, heart and lung conditions, anemia, and eye healthAncient Egypt:Wound healingAncient Greece: Fever, baldness, contraception, wound healing, constipation, sore throat, eye disease, and scarsIslamic medicine: Diarrhea,tuberculosisMedical-Grade vs. Regular HoneyMedical-grade honeyis sterilized through gamma radiation.It is intended for medicinal use, mainly as a topical (on the skin) ointment for surface wounds and burns. Regular honey (or table honey) is the honey you buy at the grocery store and is most typically used for food.Medical-grade honey is available throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.The most commonly used medical-grade honey comes from bees that get pollen from tea trees in Australia and New Zealand. This honey, also known as manuka honey, has the highest antibacterial activity of all honey.The Best Kinds for EczemaThe following kinds of honey have been studied for their medicinal properties:Manuka honeyMalaysian tualang honeyKanuka honeyManuka-kanuka honeyWhat makes manuka honey good for eczema?Manuka honey is medical-grade and has the highest antibacterial activity of all honey, making it a good topical option for eczema treatment.Application InstructionsChoose medical-grade honey, like manuka honey, for use on an eczema rash. This will ensure the product is sterile and less likely to introduce contaminants through damaged skin.For adults, follow these application steps:Clean the affected area and pat dry.Apply a thin layer of honey over the rash.Cover with a bandage.After a few hours or in the morning, remove the bandage and clean the area.Babies and Young ChildrenBabies and young children should not eat honey due to the risk ofbotulism, a potentially deadly bacterial infection. While rare, botulism can occur through an open wound.For that reason, you should not apply honey directly to an infant or small child’s wound.Proven Eczema TreatmentsSome standard eczema treatments include:Avoiding triggers (like foods, dry skin, fragrances, and dyes)Using specially formulated soaps and lotionsCool baths orbleach bathsHydrocortisone creamand othertopical steroidsAntihistaminesTopical calcineurin inhibitorsOral steroids, antibiotics,Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitorsPhototherapy, wet wrap therapy,immunotherapyHow do you know if honey makes your eczema worse?If, after applying honey, your eczema seems worse, you should wash the honey off of your skin and discontinue using it.Signs You’re Allergic to HoneyAlthough rare, honey is a potential food allergen. It can carry other potential allergens, like pollen from plants.Therefore, you could experience a food allergy, pollen allergy symptoms, or anaphylaxis if you have a honey allergy.Call for Emergency HelpIf you’re experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis shock, like difficulty breathing, call 911 and seek immediate emergency medical care.Food allergy symptomsinclude:VomitingWheezing or shortness of breathCoughHoarseness, trouble swallowingDizzinessTurning pale or blueTongue swellingPollen allergy symptomsinclude:SneezingCongestionRunny nose, watery eyesItchy throatWheezingAnaphylaxisis a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. Symptoms include:Difficulty breathingHivesConstricted voice or hoarsenessNausea, vomiting, or abdominal painDiarrheaDizziness, unconsciousnessFeeling of impending doomSummaryHoney has been used since ancient times for medicinal purposes. There is limited evidence that honey is helpful for eczema, but some research indicates it may be effective due to its immunomodulating properties.Medical-grade honey is made explicitly for topical application. If you have a honey or pollen allergy, you should seek medical advice before applying honey to your skin. Avoid using honey on infants due to the risk of botulism.
Honey isn’t just a sweet addition to your tea. It can treat various ailments, including skin conditions such as eczema.While research is limited, applying honey topically may help treat eczema symptoms.
Some people may be allergic to honey and should watch for symptoms if using this treatment option. Of course,home remedies for eczemado not replace standard medical care.
Graham Montanari / Getty Images
What Does Research Say About Honey for Eczema?
In traditional medicine, honey has been used in thetreatment of eczema. However, research on the subject is limited.
In one study, researchers evaluated the effectiveness of honey on atopic dermatitis (eczema).Based on clinical and cellular studies,manuka honeywas potentially effective. However, researchers advise further clinical trials to confirm the findings.
Eczemais an immune-mediated skin disorder, which means the immune system is over-reactive or sensitive. Eczema often responds to treatments that modify the immune system’s response, likecorticosteroids.In vitro (test tube) and in vivo (living organism)studies have found that honey may promote wound healing and regulate the immune system.
In another study, researchers found thatraw honeycould be an effective and cheaper alternative to other anti-inflammatory products for people with eczema,seborrheic dermatitis, andpsoriasis.However, they recommend more clinical trials to confirm the benefits.
According to research, honey has the following properties, which may contribute to its skin healing ability:AntioxidantAntimicrobialAnti-inflammatoryImmunomodulatory
According to research, honey has the following properties, which may contribute to its skin healing ability:
Medicinal Use of Honey Throughout Time
Evidence of using honey as medicine goes back to Stone Age paintings. Some examples of how honey has been used medicinally through the ages include:
Medical-Grade vs. Regular Honey
Medical-grade honeyis sterilized through gamma radiation.It is intended for medicinal use, mainly as a topical (on the skin) ointment for surface wounds and burns. Regular honey (or table honey) is the honey you buy at the grocery store and is most typically used for food.
Medical-grade honey is available throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.The most commonly used medical-grade honey comes from bees that get pollen from tea trees in Australia and New Zealand. This honey, also known as manuka honey, has the highest antibacterial activity of all honey.
The Best Kinds for Eczema
The following kinds of honey have been studied for their medicinal properties:
What makes manuka honey good for eczema?Manuka honey is medical-grade and has the highest antibacterial activity of all honey, making it a good topical option for eczema treatment.
What makes manuka honey good for eczema?
Manuka honey is medical-grade and has the highest antibacterial activity of all honey, making it a good topical option for eczema treatment.
Application Instructions
Choose medical-grade honey, like manuka honey, for use on an eczema rash. This will ensure the product is sterile and less likely to introduce contaminants through damaged skin.
For adults, follow these application steps:
Babies and Young Children
Babies and young children should not eat honey due to the risk ofbotulism, a potentially deadly bacterial infection. While rare, botulism can occur through an open wound.For that reason, you should not apply honey directly to an infant or small child’s wound.
Proven Eczema TreatmentsSome standard eczema treatments include:Avoiding triggers (like foods, dry skin, fragrances, and dyes)Using specially formulated soaps and lotionsCool baths orbleach bathsHydrocortisone creamand othertopical steroidsAntihistaminesTopical calcineurin inhibitorsOral steroids, antibiotics,Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitorsPhototherapy, wet wrap therapy,immunotherapy
Proven Eczema Treatments
Some standard eczema treatments include:Avoiding triggers (like foods, dry skin, fragrances, and dyes)Using specially formulated soaps and lotionsCool baths orbleach bathsHydrocortisone creamand othertopical steroidsAntihistaminesTopical calcineurin inhibitorsOral steroids, antibiotics,Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitorsPhototherapy, wet wrap therapy,immunotherapy
Some standard eczema treatments include:
How do you know if honey makes your eczema worse?If, after applying honey, your eczema seems worse, you should wash the honey off of your skin and discontinue using it.
How do you know if honey makes your eczema worse?
If, after applying honey, your eczema seems worse, you should wash the honey off of your skin and discontinue using it.
Signs You’re Allergic to Honey
Although rare, honey is a potential food allergen. It can carry other potential allergens, like pollen from plants.Therefore, you could experience a food allergy, pollen allergy symptoms, or anaphylaxis if you have a honey allergy.
Call for Emergency HelpIf you’re experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis shock, like difficulty breathing, call 911 and seek immediate emergency medical care.
Call for Emergency Help
If you’re experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis shock, like difficulty breathing, call 911 and seek immediate emergency medical care.
Food allergy symptomsinclude:
Pollen allergy symptomsinclude:
Anaphylaxisis a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. Symptoms include:
Summary
Honey has been used since ancient times for medicinal purposes. There is limited evidence that honey is helpful for eczema, but some research indicates it may be effective due to its immunomodulating properties.
Medical-grade honey is made explicitly for topical application. If you have a honey or pollen allergy, you should seek medical advice before applying honey to your skin. Avoid using honey on infants due to the risk of botulism.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Alangari AA, Morris K, Lwaleed BA, et al.Honey is potentially effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis: clinical and mechanistic studies.Immun Inflamm Dis. 2017;5(2):190-199. doi:10.1002/iid3.153
McLoone P, Oluwadun A, Warnock M, et al.Honey: a therapeutic agent for disorders of the skin.Cent Asian J Glob Health. 2016;5(1):241. doi:10.5195/cajgh.2016.241
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Wound Practice and Research Wounds Australia Journal.Evidence summary: wound management: medical grade honey.
Wounds.A comparison between medical grade honey and table honeys in relation to antimicrobial efficacy.
Oropeza K.What’s the buzz about medical-grade honey?.Nursing. 2014;44(7):59. doi:10.1097/01.NURSE.0000450793.03226.fc
Johnston M, McBride M, Dahiya D, et al.Antibacterial activity of manuka honey and its components: an overview.AIMS Microbiol. 2018;4(4):655-664. doi:10.3934/microbiol.2018.4.655
Mohd Tamrin MI.The dilemma of diagnosing wound botulism in an infant: a rare case of paralysis with topical application of honey.Int J Infect Dis. 2020;95:157-159. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2020.03.044
McLoone P, Oluwadun A, Warnock M, Fyfe L.Honey: A Therapeutic Agent for Disorders of the Skin. Cent Asian J Glob Health. 2016 Aug 4;5(1):241. doi: 10.5195/cajgh.2016.241. PMID: 29138732; PMCID: PMC5661189.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Food allergy: overview.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Pollen allergies: overview.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Anaphylaxis: overview.
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