Disinfected eggs, sterile rearing
Larvae start from surface-disinfected eggs and are raised under sterile handling so they arrive clean.
Sealed, single-use containers
One container serves one treatment cycle for one patient. It is never shared or reused.
A cage dressing keeps them in
A breathable net dressing lets air in and liquefied tissue out while holding the larvae on the wound.
A clinician stays in charge
Suitability, dosing, monitoring and removal are decisions for the treating clinician, not the supplier.
Known risks, and how they are managed
- Escape during the first minutes. Addressed by a well-fitted cage dressing and close observation after application.
- Infection that spreads. Deep or extensive infection needs systemic antibiotics during therapy.
- Resistant bacteria. Pseudomonas can be more resistant to larval treatment, so an antiseptic may be used first.
- Poorly disinfected larvae. Avoided by using medical-grade larvae only.
- Discomfort. Reported to the nurse and managed with pain relief where needed.
Not a replacement for medical care
Nothing on this site is a diagnosis or treatment plan. If a wound is spreading, very painful, hot, or the patient has a fever, seek urgent medical care.
Frequently asked questions
Will the maggots eat healthy tissue?
Medical larvae feed on dead tissue and slough. They cannot dissolve healthy tissue in the way they break down dead tissue, and once a wound is clean they instinctively move away.
Does it hurt?
Most patients tolerate it well, and some feel nothing more than tickling. A few report more discomfort in the wound. Tell your nurse about any pain so it can be managed, and the dressing can be removed at any time.
Can the maggots escape the dressing?
A cage-style dressing is designed to keep them in place. They are most likely to wander in the first few minutes after application, so the dressing is applied carefully and checked, and it is inspected regularly during the cycle.
Are the larvae clean?
Medical larvae are raised from disinfected eggs in sterile conditions and supplied in sealed single-use containers. Using larvae that were not properly disinfected is a real risk, which is why medical-grade supply matters.
How long does treatment take?
Each cycle lasts 48 to 72 hours. Most wounds need two to six cycles, and the wound is reassessed after each one.
Can I use one container for more than one treatment?
No. Containers are single-use. Opening one risks contaminating it, and larvae that are saved will have lost potency by the time of the next cycle.
Is it regulated?
In the United States, medical maggots were cleared by the FDA in 2004 as a prescription-only medical device. Requirements differ from country to country, so ask us what applies to your facility.
What if the wound is infected?
Larvae reduce bacteria, but deep or spreading infection still needs antibiotics. Some hardy bacteria, such as Pseudomonas, may need to be treated first, so your clinician will guide the plan.
Sources and further reading
These are the references used to write this site. They are worth reading in full.
- Effectiveness of chronic wound debridement with the use of larvae of Lucilia sericata (J Clin Med, 2019 review)
- Effects of Lucilia sericata maggot therapy in chronic wound treatment: a randomized clinical trial (Chronic Wound Care Management and Research, 2020)
- Selective antibiofilm effects of Lucilia sericata larvae secretions and excretions
- Effectiveness of maggot debridement therapy for chronic wounds: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (Wound Repair and Regeneration, 2025)
- US FDA 510(k) summary for Medical Maggots (indications, dressing and handling)
- Aetna clinical policy bulletin: medical maggots (dosing, cycles and study summaries)
- BioTherapeutics, Education and Research Foundation: MDT FAQ
- A Complete Guide to Maggot Therapy, ch. 4: indications, contraindications and side-effects
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