Breaking news in the industry of advanced wound care has led to the recognition of honey derived from the Manuka Tree (indigenous to New Zealand) has extraordinary antibacterial properties that are capable of destroying antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria such as MRSA.

As the name suggests, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureaus (MRSA) is a bacterium that has developed a resistance to Methicillin and other antibiotics. With the overuse of antibiotics in the past 3 decades, experts predict the emergence of more drug-resistant bacteria in the future.

In addition to the frustration of MRSA being impervious to antibiotics, its life-threatening nature has communities affected by Staph infections rattled. Since antibiotics don't work and some topical agents cause tissue damage, Manuka Honey is being considered a favorable healing agent. Because Manuka Honey provides an osmotic effect, moisture is drawn out of bacteria without causing damage to the skin. Bacteria cannot survive in the healing environment created by Manuka Honey, making it an ideal wound dressing.

Not only has Manuka Honey been proven to heal all kinds of bacterial infections, it has also been found to have no negative side effects. In addition to its ability to destroy bacteria responsible for infecting wounds, Manuka Honey's healing properties also have the ability to repair damaged skin and regenerate new skin growth. Even though Manuka Honey draws moisture away from bacterial cells, it has a moisturizing effect on the skin.

Honeymark, a manufacturer of Manuka honey-based skin care products has developed a First Aid Antiseptic Lotion containing Active Manuka Honey that is being used to treat MRSA and Staph infections. This product avoids the sticky mess of applying honey directly to the skin while having other valuable ingredients that help clear infection. In addition to Active Manuka Honey, it contains Benzalkonium Chloride which is an FDA approved antiseptic, providing a second line of defense against bacteria.

"While the medical industry scrambles for an alternative to antibiotics, Honeymark has offered them a solution to the MRSA epidemic on a silver platter," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "Manuka Honey has the ability to draw water out of bacterial cells, similar to the way salt makes a slug shrivel up and die."