A study from Iran has confirmed the healing power of maggots for infected wounds.

Fifty patients with foot ulcers that had not healed for at least three months were divided into two groups. Both were treated with antibiotics and had their wounds cleaned; one group was also given maggot therapy, where live fly larvae were placed on the wound.

Results in the Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing show that the number of infected wounds was significantly reduced after 48 to 96 hours in those who received the maggot therapy compared to those given standard care.

Maggots are thought to eat dead tissue that slows down wound healing, and release compounds that fight infection.

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