Learn
Delve into dermatology diseases with new approaches from conventional to complementary care.
Topics
Explore a broad spectrum of dermatological conditions and topics to enhance your practice.
Training Programs
Expert led instruction for every level of patient care.
Log in to see enrolled program content.
Conferences
Gain practical insights and meet new colleagues.
Hover over a conference to view recordings.
Join Us
The largest integrative dermatology community.
Hirudotherapy
Overview
Hirudotherapy (leech therapy) is a medical treatment that uses leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) to remove pooled or clotted blood for medical purposes.
Leeches are freshwater worms that suck blood. They secrete a natural blood thinner that helps keep the blood flowing and improves survival of wounded tissue.
Hirudotherapy is approved by the US FDA for healing skin grafts. Hirudotherapy is also used for osteoarthritis, leg sores caused by poor circulation, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses.
Companies that raised and marketed leeches before 1976 in the US are permitted to continue doing so. But those marketing leeches after 1976 are required to get FDA approval.
Leeches are freshwater worms that suck blood. They secrete a natural blood thinner that helps keep the blood flowing and improves survival of wounded tissue.
Hirudotherapy is approved by the US FDA for healing skin grafts. Hirudotherapy is also used for osteoarthritis, leg sores caused by poor circulation, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses.
Companies that raised and marketed leeches before 1976 in the US are permitted to continue doing so. But those marketing leeches after 1976 are required to get FDA approval.
NatMed disclaims any responsibility related to medical consequences of using any medical product. Effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this monograph is accurate at the time it was published. Consumers and medical professionals who consult this monograph are cautioned that any medical or product related decision is the sole responsibility of the consumer and/or the health care professional. A legal License Agreement sets limitations on downloading, storing, or printing content from this Database. Except for any possible exceptions written into your License Agreement, no reproduction of this monograph or any content from this Database is permitted without written permission from the publisher. Unlawful to download, store, or distribute content from this site.
For the latest comprehensive data on this and every other natural medicine, health professionals should consult the Professional Version of NatMed. It is fully referenced and updated daily.
© Copyright 1995-2019. Therapeutic Research Center LLC, publishers of NatMed, Prescriber's Letter, and Pharmacist's Letter. All rights reserved.
All material on this website is protected by copyright. Copyright © LearnHealth Inc. 2024.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.
SUBSCRIBE
To Get Posts Directly In Your Inbox!