We have found that a mixture of honey,
olive oil, and
beeswax was effective for treatment of diaper
dermatitis,
psoriasis,
eczema, and skin
fungal infection. The mixture has antibacterial properties. A prospective pilot study was conducted to evaluate the
therapeutic effect of topical application of the mixture on patients with
anal fissure or
hemorrhoids. Fifteen consecutive patients, 13 males and 2 females, median age 45 years (range: 28-70), who presented with
anal fissure (5 patients) or first- to third-degree
hemorrhoids (4 with first degree, 4 with second degree, and 2 with third degree), were treated with a 12-h application of a natural mixture containing honey,
olive oil, and
beeswax in ratio of 1:1:1(v/v/v).
Bleeding,
itching,
edema, and
erythema were measured using a scoring method: 0 = none, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe, and 4 = very severe. The
pain score was checked using a visual analog scale (minimum = 0, maximum = 10). Efficacy of treatment was assessed by comparing the symptoms' score before and
after treatment; at weekly intervals for a maximum of 4 weeks. The patients were observed for evidence of any adverse effect such as appearance of new signs and symptoms, or worsening of the existing symptoms. The honey mixture significantly reduced
bleeding and relieved
itching in patients with
hemorrhoids. Patients with
anal fissure showed significant reduction in
pain,
bleeding, and
itching after the treatment. No side effect was reported with use of the mixture. We conclude that a mixture of honey,
olive oil, and
beeswax is safe and clinically effective in the treatment of
hemorrhoids and
anal fissure, which paves the way for further randomized double blind studies.