The Technique of Leech Therapy

Medicinal leech therapy (MLT) or hirudotherapy, an old technique, has been studied by many researchers for possible effects on various diseases. ( Medicinal leech therapy—an overall perspective).

Skin Preparation

Before applying this procedure, it requires following some simple tips on skin preparation:
1) Since leeches are sensitive to strong odors, for at least two days before treatment perfumes, chemicals, and local drugs should not be applied to the skin at the intended application site.
2) To get the animals to bite more quickly, you can take some effective measures: rub dry until the skin is rosy-hyperemization, cupping, or wetting the skin with water.

Leech Application procedure

First, the leech therapist would better make sure to only use healthy and active leeches. These animals should be taken out of the container by hand, being protected by surgical gloves to avoid being bitten. The tail region of the leeches should be grasped between the thumb and index finger of therapists and the head should be guided to the target site until it bites and starts to feed.
While feeding, the leech should be remained undisturbed. To protect it from cold and light, the intended site should be covered with cotton padding. It takes around 20-60 minutes for the leech to go of its host and finish feeding. To prevent infectious complications, never use undue force to make the leech loosen its bite! The best way is to shake its entire body several times in a gentle way or to loosen the supporting rear sucker with a fingernail.

Aftercare

It usually takes 3-12 hours for the three-pronged bite wound to stop bleeding after this animal has finished feeding and dropped off. This phase is a crucial part of treatment since the slow drainage of blood alleviates venous congestion and other complications by washing out any bacteria that may have entered the wound. When there is a good outflow of blood, the wound should be covered loosely and the extent of bleeding should be checked 15-30 minutes later. If satisfactory, a loose dressing is applied and secured. discharge time, the patient should be advised to follow some tips:1) avoid strenuous physical activity until the bleeding stops naturally 2) avoid increasing fluid intake to limit water excretion 3) avoid extended exposure to water in the next few days to keep the scabs from loosening prematurely (they come off by themselves after a week or so)

Complications

Secondary wound infection is the most frequent, while excessive bleeding is a rare complication. The main causes of secondary wound infection are premature stoppage of bleeding and scab loosening due largely to premature dressing changes or scratching.