The Connection Between Maggots and Humans
Entomology is the scientific study of insects, and the study of these magnificent animals have led to many remarkable discoveries within the science community. For example, maggots have become a crucial part of the human wound healing process (8). When someone thinks of maggots, humans may not be the first connection that comes to mind. While these larvae grow to explore much more of the world, this part of their life cycle is the most important for those in the medical field. Recently, Maggot Therapy has become a popular part of medicine and the healing process for many medical patients. Maggot Therapy is done by disinfecting the maggots and carefully breeding this particular species of green bottle fly larvae (8). These maggots are within an enclosed dressing and are carefully monitored throughout the entire maggot-feeding process (8). For each wound, there are five to ten maggots per square centimeter of the wound's surface area, and the maggots are left within this dressing for 48 to 72 hours (8). After this time, the maggots are removed and the patient's wound is on a faster track to completely heal! This new, innovative wound therapy is able to connect the world of insects and medicine to create an effective way to heal those in need.
This is an example of what the dressing for Maggot Therapy may look like.
Source: 2
Source: 2
The History of Maggots & Humans
This maggot therapy has been used throughout human history, and has only recently become popularized within the modern medical community (4). The invasion of human wounds by maggots has been known about for centuries, and the use of maggots in wound care has been reported in various ancient cultures (4). The therapeutic use of maggots was also used during the American Civil War (4). The Confederate soldiers' wounds were not taken care of, and became maggot-infested (4). Fortunately for those soldiers, these uncared for maggot-filled wounds healed faster than the wounds of the Union soldiers, who had their wounds catered to and were insect-free (4). While this use of maggots only held positive results for patients in need of healthy wound healing, many refused to use this method because they found it to be too gross having an insect inside of their wound(s) (4). To ease these nerves and popularize this healing method, doctors developed improved adhesives and cage-like dressings to confine the maggots to the wound.
In Conclusion...
While the aspect of feeling creepy crawlers within one’s open wound is still a controversial topic, this wound healing technique provides nothing but benefits for patients in need. Maggot Therapy provides rapid wound debridement, potential infection elimination, pain control, and even ulcer healing (4). The use of maggots can reduce negative side effects during the healing process, and these larvae can decrease the need for amputation for patients (4). Not only can Maggot Therapy speed up the normal healing process, but this medical method is cost-effective! Though the thought of maggots growing on, and partially inside, of a patient can be frightening, these insects are only doing great things for the human body, and doctors are always around to ease these nerves and monitor the exciting wound healing process.