Effect of leech therapy in dermatophytosis: A randomized standard controlled trial

Background and purpose

In Unani medicine leech therapy is used as analgesic and resolvent purposes. The saliva of leech contains various biological substances like Hirudin, hyaluronidase, vasodilators, anesthetics, antibacterial, fibrinases, collagenase etc. To compare the efficacy of Leech therapy with local antifungal clotrimazole (1 %) cream in dermatophytosis on long term basis.

Material and methods

A randomized, standard controlled, open labeled, clinical study was conducted on 40 patients of dermatophytosis, aged 18–60 years, and were randomly assigned into two groups; 20 patients in test group and 20 in control group. Patients were diagnosed clinically and confirmed through KOH examination. Complete haemogram, bleeding and clotting times, random blood sugar, HIV I & II, and HBsAg tests were carried out before starting the therapy, while haemogram was repeated after completion of treatment too. In test group, five sittings of leech therapy were applied, with intervals of one week. The control group was given clotrimazole (1 %) cream for topical application twice daily, continuously for a period of 28 days. Post-treatment follow-ups were done on 35th day in person, and then over the phone on 45th, 60^th, and 90th days. Data were collected using Signs and Symptoms Severity Score for study, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). After completion of trial, appropriate tests were applied for statistical analysis of data.

Results

The study shows, in most of the parameters, statically significant therapeutic effect in both the groups (p<0.001). No patients of either group reported any adverse event throughout the trial.

Conclusion

it appeared that leech therapy can contribute significantly in treating dermatophytosis (Qūbā) without any adverse effect, and with prolonged efficacy compared to standard treatment.