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Monday, March 23, 2009

Maggot Therapy



















Here's one of the first green bottle flies (Lucilia sericata) of the year resting decoratively on a pelargonium leaf ("Vancouver Centennial"). I was checking the intertubes for the Latin name on this species, just to make sure it hadn't been changed again, when I ran across references to maggot debridement therapy. It makes sense: maggots of green bottle flies were found to consume only necrotic tissue and are used to clean (aka debride) wounds that are stubborn to heal. I had heard of honey therapy for wounds, but I just am not 100% sure I'm not getting my virtual leg pulled with Medical Maggots. Check it out, see what you think. Apparently one of the challenges is keeping the maggots contained within the wound; this company developed what they call an easily applied maggot cage dressing. And, your insurance may pay for it!

Be sure to watch the video of the man who had trouble with his knee replacement; he urges users of MDT to videotape the little guys working the wound so their kids and grandkids can have a laugh at holidays. Good attitude toward bugs, what?

2 comments:

Cindy said...

Kinda gross, but no worse, I guess, than medical grade leeches. I was amused by the way their website directs visitors by the categories of Therapists, Patients, Veterinarians, and Spectators. I'm definitely a spectator.

AYDIN Ă–RSTAN said...

I have heard of it too. I think it's a legitimate treatment like using leeches.

I also know that honey kills bacteria & is a good preservative.