A Sweet Solution: The Use of Medical-Grade Honey on Oral Mucositis in the Pediatric Oncology Patient

Pediatric patients develop mucositis when receiving treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. The gastrointestinal mucosa’s epithial cells divide quickly leading to breakdown and painful ulceration. Oral mucositis is the most common in which patients developed painful bleeding ulceration and thick mucoid saliva. Lips eventually crack and bleed. Mouth rinses containing antimicrobial, antihistamine and analgesic medications are the mainstay for pediatric patients. These rinses are often rejected related to taste or texture. Patients less than a year are unable to use these products. Continued oral mucositis leads to increase pain and inability to eat.