A control clinical trial of honey-impregnated and povidone iodine dressings in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers among northern Indian subjects

To compare the effect of honey with povidone iodine as a dressing material in the management of diabetic foot ulcers among northern Indian subjects. Thirty six patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria hence data of 36 patients was collected and analyzed for various study parameters. The mean age of the patients was 52.4 ± 5.4 years (range 46–63 years). Males 24 (66.7%) outnumbered female patients 122 (33.3%). Wounds in the Group A took a mean duration of 14.2 days (range 6 - 25 days) to be ready for surgical closure. On the other hand, wounds in the Group B took a mean duration of 15.5 days (range 9 - 37 days) to achieve similar status. All patients in honey group experienced less pain during dressing. Oedema and foul smelling discharges resolved earlier as compared to the standard dressing group.