In a time of emerging bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, honey offers an alternative that has potential to reduce the heavy reliance on pharmaceutical antibiotics. We will be evaluating the effectiveness of a locally produced New Mexico Honey against the standard of care Bactrim antibiotic on Community Acquired MRSA.

Locally grown New Mexico Honey will be utilized on abscess wounds of the trunk and extremities vs routine (Bactrim) antibiotic care to determine if NM Honey is effective treatment for Community Acquired MRSA 6 cm abscesses.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients 16 years of age or older
• Abscess less than or equal to 6 cm in diameter on the extremity or trunk requiring incision and drainage
• Patient willing to try honey prepared dressing
• Patient able to return to office each day for 7 days for evaluation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Under the age of 16
• Abscess of face, scalp or genitals
• Diagnosed as a diabetic
• Allergic to bee pollen, honey or sulfa antibiotics
• Diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease
• Patient acknowledgement of current drug or alcohol abuse