Американское общество гирудотерапии

A case of irritant contact dermatitis with leech

Case report published in Cutaneous and ocular toxicology (2011)

Последнее обновление: June 18, 2026Рецензент: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Case reportКлинические исследованияБезопасность и инфекционный контрольKaradag 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

Резюме

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

Почему это важно для гирудотерапии

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.

Цитирование

A case of irritant contact dermatitis with leech

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

Связанный клинический контекст

Узнайте, как это исследование связано с клинической практикой

Добавлено в библиотеку ASH: May 27, 2026 · Последнее обновление сайта: June 18, 2026

Этот сайт предоставляет образовательную информацию и не является медицинской консультацией, диагнозом или рекомендацией по лечению. Гирудотерапия сопряжена с клинически значимыми рисками и должна проводиться только квалифицированными клиницистами в рамках институционально утверждённых протоколов. Разрешение FDA 510(k) для медицинских пиявок ограничено определёнными показаниями; обсуждения исследовательского и нелицензионного применения отмечены соответствующим образом. Для индивидуальных медицинских рекомендаций обратитесь к квалифицированному медицинскому специалисту.