Leech therapy

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

The leech therapy is one of the derivation procedures. The leech is a ringworm that lives in Europe in fresh water or damp earth and sucks blood through the skin in humans and animals. Following the bite, post-bleeding occurs. The blood loss per leech is 50-100 ml.

General definitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Leeches secrete hirudin, an anticoagulant. Blood clotting returns to normal after about 6-12 hours. This therapy corresponds to a gentle bloodletting. This results in a lowering of the hekt and local decongestion.

IndicationThis section has been translated automatically.

According to the bloodletting, especially CVI, acute thrombophlebitis, postthrombotic syndrome. Acute attack of gout, boils, phlegmons, lymphatic congestion.

ImplementationThis section has been translated automatically.

  • Place leeches on the skin in the area to be treated. As a rule, the leeches themselves choose the optimal spot. If necessary, slightly scratch cleaned skin, place the leech's head on the wound. After about 45-90 minutes the saturated leeches fall off. Do not remove by force! Usually 1-5 leeches are applied. The wound usually bleeds for hours; apply a clean dressing. The patient should lie for about 6-8 hours.
  • Tinnitus: apply the leeches behind the ear.
  • In case of chronic inflammation and lymph congestion: application in the affected areas of the head.

Remember! Use leeches only once, then kill them. Star-shaped scarring may occur.

ContraindicationThis section has been translated automatically.

Hemmorrhagic disposition, Marcumar patients, skin diseases in the area of leech application, AVK. Caution in patients prone to allergic reactions.

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020