Bandages and ointments infused with essence of maggot may soon be coming to a drugstore near you. Battlefield medics hundreds of years ago were the first to notice that bloody wounds infested with maggots actually heal faster than "clean" wounds.

Today hospitals around the world breed selected fly larvae in sterile environments. These "medical maggots" are applied directly to wounds such as ulcers and burns, which are otherwise difficult to heal.

There is no question that the somewhat grim technique works. But how maggot therapy heals has long been a matter of debate.

The secret, according to a new study, is in a fluid secreted by the maggots to help them consume decaying tissue.

In many wounds that are not readily healing, tissue decays and dies, allowing bacteria to thrive. This creates irritation that further prevents proper healing.

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