Amerikanische Gesellschaft für Hirudotherapie

A case of irritant contact dermatitis with leech

Case report published in Cutaneous and ocular toxicology (2011)

Zuletzt aktualisiert: June 18, 2026Geprüft von: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Case reportKlinische StudienSicherheit & InfektionskontrolleKaradag AS et al. · Cutaneous and ocular toxicology, 2011

Abstract

Medicinal leeches are invertebrated parasites that have been used for medical purposes for centuries as one of the traditional treatment methods. Medicinal leeches are used for wound and flap healing in the plastic and reconstructive surgery, in the treatment of venous insufficiency, varicosities, hemorrhoids, and in many other diseases. However, due to medicinal leech therapy (hirudotherapy) complications such as anaphylaxis, local allergic reactions, anemia, and mucosal synechiae can occur. In this article, we report a case of an irritant contact dermatitis in a patient who experienced severe redness and itching after applying leeches for the relief of head and neck pain. Leeches are being used widely in some regions in the world and if people are informed about the leeches, it may be helpful in preventing complications that may occur.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeCase ReportsJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAdultAnimalsDermatitis, IrritantDiagnosis, DifferentialHirudo medicinalisHumansLeechingMaleTreatment Outcome

Zusammenfassung

Medicinal leeches are invertebrated parasites that have been used for medical purposes for centuries as one of the traditional treatment methods.

Warum dies für die Hirudotherapie relevant ist

This case report describes a patient who developed irritant contact dermatitis, presenting with severe redness and itching, after applying medicinal leeches for relief of head and neck pain. The article is directly relevant to the American Society of Hirudotherapy as it documents a specific dermatological complication of leech therapy and notes that complications such as anaphylaxis, local allergic reactions, anemia, and mucosal synechiae can occur with medicinal leech use. The authors suggest that informing people about leeches may be helpful in preventing complications that may arise. However, the scope of this article is limited to a single case, providing no systematic data on the incidence, prevalence, or comparative risk of contact dermatitis associated with leech therapy.

Zitation

A case of irritant contact dermatitis with leech

Karadag AS et al. · Cutaneous and ocular toxicology, 2011

DOI

Verwandter klinischer Kontext

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Clinical EvidenceClinical ApplicationsSafety ProtocolsAeromonas ManagementDermatological ApplicationsDermatologyOtolaryngology

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