They were able to heal the wounds slightly more quickly, although they initially caused patients greater pain, according to a new study. Maggots have been used for centuries to help the repair process of wounds, because they are effective at clearing away dead skin and stimulating the body to heal itself. The latest study by University of York, in 267 patients, found that they caused the wounds to heal in an average of 236 days, nine days less than the 245 days on average with dressings. However, patients reported being in twice as much pain for the first 24 hours if they were being treated with the maggots than with the dressings, according to the findings, published online in the British Medical Journal. Both treatments are likely to cost about the same, the study also found.
via Maggots ‘as successful at treating leg ulcers as standard dressings’ – Telegraph.
