Gangrene

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History

In the years before antibiotics, fly maggots were commonly used to treat chronic wounds or ulcers to prevent or stop necrotic spread. Some species of maggots consume only dead flesh, leaving nearby living tissue unaffected. Their use largely died out after the introduction of antibiotics and enzyme treatments for wounds. In recent years, however, maggot therapy has regained some credibility and is sometimes employed to great effect in cases of chronic tissue necrosis. See maggot therapy for more information.

Related Topics:
Fly - Maggot - Ulcer - Antibiotics - Enzyme - Maggot therapy - Necrosis

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