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CASE REPORT
Cutaneous complications of improper leech application
1
Chair and Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Pediatric Dermatology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
2
Department of Dermatology, Ed; Herriot Hospital Group, Lyon, France
3
Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
4
Chair and Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
5
Department of Pediatric Radiology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
Corresponding author
Aldona Pietrzak
Chair and Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Pediatric Dermatology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
Chair and Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Pediatric Dermatology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
Ann Agric Environ Med. 2012;19(4):790-792
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
The medical leech (Hirudo medicinalis) has been used throughout the centuries and continues to be used today, mainly in reconstructive surgery and microsurgery. Easy access to these animals may entail an improper use of this therapeutic method by patients as a form of self-treatment.
Case report:
A man who presented with skin erythema and oedema due to the application of a medical leech.
Discussion:
Infection is considered the most common complication of hirudotherapy, even though bacteriological examination of leech applied by the patient showed neither bacterial nor parasitic infection. The skin lesions were probably of allergic origin; whether this reaction was due to substances released from the leech or as a consequence of reusing the same leech, remains to be determined.
The medical leech (Hirudo medicinalis) has been used throughout the centuries and continues to be used today, mainly in reconstructive surgery and microsurgery. Easy access to these animals may entail an improper use of this therapeutic method by patients as a form of self-treatment.
Case report:
A man who presented with skin erythema and oedema due to the application of a medical leech.
Discussion:
Infection is considered the most common complication of hirudotherapy, even though bacteriological examination of leech applied by the patient showed neither bacterial nor parasitic infection. The skin lesions were probably of allergic origin; whether this reaction was due to substances released from the leech or as a consequence of reusing the same leech, remains to be determined.
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