Question 1

what's the difference between wild leeches and leeches used in medical treatment?

Accepted Answer

Wild vs Bred: Farmed leeches are grown under strictly clean techniques fed on HIV negative blood. Wild leeches, well they're fed on unknown.

Question 2

bitten by leech while in river, top of foot over arch. 1 week later top of foot large red, swollen area. itchy, dark purple spot at bite. treatment?

Accepted Answer

Leech Bite?: It is actually rare to be allergic or to have a reaction to a leech bite.  Assuming it was a leech bite, you could have some irritation and itching, but normally should have no further problems if you have good health and no leech allergies. However, if you are experiencing symptoms such as you describe, then you need to seek medical attention as it may be infected.

Question 3

can leeches and worms be a treatment for cancer?

Accepted Answer

No: Leaches and worms are not generally used to treat cancer.

Question 4

does leech therapy work well?

Accepted Answer

Entertainment only: Just because some Hollywood celebrities have been suckered by these practitioners doesn't mean you should fall for it, too.

Question 5

how effective is leech therapy?

Accepted Answer

Increasing use: Once you get over the "ick" factor, leeches can be useful for treating surface lesions in which bleeding and swelling are likely to compromise the result.  Useful areas are the ears, and nose for instance. It can be quite effective in the proper circumstances.

Question 6

can you still get leech therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Leeches have been used for circulatory &amp; C/V disease because they can break down blood clots &amp; ^ circulation. They may be used in plastic surgery / microsurgeries.

Question 7

can you be allergic to leech detox therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Allergy depends on theindividual's medical history.

Question 8

has leech therapy ever been proven to work?

Accepted Answer

Yes- for some things: Leeches are used to treat meany ailments. They have been critically tested only for some of these. For example, a controlled prospective clinical trial of leech therapy for osteoarthritis pain demonstrated effectiveness of leech therapy (michalsen et al, ann intern med. 2003; 139:724). Also, demonstrated efficacy for treatment of vascular congested in the context of complicated plastic surgery.

Question 9

what do leeches do to you during detox therapy?

Accepted Answer

Improve circulation: Leeches are used for multiple medicinal purposes. In their salivary glands is produced hirudin and other biologically active substances which improve circulation locally but also of the whole body. They  influence the cholesterol profile,  the atherosclerosis process and the inflammation in  the whole body which has rejuvenating effect.

Question 10

i'm looking to doing leech therapy for a wound--anyone doing this?

Accepted Answer

EEEWWWWWWwwww Leech: The need to use leeches and maggots always intrigues me, but that issue may be better addressed by the psychiatrists in our healthtap team!

leeches are an effective tool when there is an injury or procedure that results in venous congestion. The leeches (sterile from a medical grade source) can be applied to decongest an edematous area due to venous congestion, thus allowing for a better healing.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Treatment with leeches

A member asked:

What's the difference between wild leeches and leeches used in medical treatment?

A member asked:

Bitten by leech while in river, top of foot over arch. 1 week later top of foot large red, swollen area. itchy, dark purple spot at bite. treatment?

A member asked:

Can leeches and worms be a treatment for cancer?

A member asked:

Does leech therapy work well?

A member asked:

How effective is leech therapy?

A member asked:

Can you still get leech therapy?

A member asked:

Can you be allergic to leech detox therapy?

A member asked:

Has leech therapy ever been proven to work?

A member asked:

What do leeches do to you during detox therapy?

A member asked:

I'm looking to doing leech therapy for a wound--anyone doing this?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?