Is it safe to apply honey on a child's mouth ulcer?
Disease description:
The son kept crying while speaking, and every time he opened his mouth, there was an ulcer. A neighbor suggested applying Smecta on the wound, but it's unclear whether it's effective. Is applying honey on the mouth ulcers of children helpful?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
There is some controversy regarding whether honey can be applied to treat oral ulcers in children. On one hand, honey contains abundant nutrients such as sugars, vitamins, and minerals, which may help nourish the body, promote healing of oral mucosa, and relieve pain. On the other hand, honey is relatively sweet and may irritate the ulcer site, especially in younger children, potentially worsening local pain.
Therefore, caution should be exercised when applying honey to oral ulcers in children. If a child's ulcer symptoms are mild and they are not allergic to honey, a small amount of honey may be cautiously applied to the affected area. However, close attention should be paid to the child’s reaction, and use should be discontinued immediately if any adverse effects occur. More importantly, managing oral ulcers involves maintaining good oral hygiene, following a balanced diet, and receiving appropriate treatment as advised by a healthcare professional.
