A comparative study of topical sucralfate versus honey dressing in the management of diabetic foot ulcer

Background and Objectives: Local wound care is one of the mainstays in the management protocol for diabetic foot ulcers. Sucralfate and honey are inexpensive and easily available agents for local dressing. They are highly efficacious in achieving faster and better healing. Our study compares the effect of topical sucralfate with honey dressings in the management of diabetic foot ulcers. Methods: We conducted a prospective study on 50 patients of Diabetic foot ulcer admitted indoor and were evaluated clinically. Patients were divided into Group A (n=25) and Group B (n=25). Group A patients treated with topical application of Sucralfate and Group B patients were treated with topical honey. Wounds in both groups were inspected at the end of 7 days, 14 days and 21 days. Results in the two groups were compared and interpreted. Results: In our study, mean ulcer size was reduced in both the groups on day 7, day 14, and day21 (p>0.5). The percentage of reduction in mean ulcer size in Group A was 59.53% compared to 55.05% in Group B at the end of 21 days (p value > 0.05). Completely epithelized ulcers were 10 (40%) in Group A and 9 (36%) in Group B respectively. Complete epithelization of ulcer or ulcer bed ready for split skin grafting (primary end point of study) was 21.04 days in Group A and 23.20 days in Group B (P value < 0.05). Conclusion: Even though topical sucralfate and honey were both found to be effective in enhancing the wound healing process in diabetic foot ulcers, topical sucralfate was found to be better when compared to honey for local application.