Myiasis

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Common-

It is an infection caused by fly larvae that develop in human tissue. These larvae may be from different types of flies, such as the tumbu fly, flesh fly or fruit fly.

It is caused by the laying of fly eggs in open wounds, skin ulcers or areas of the skin with poor hygiene. Larvae hatch from these eggs and develop within human tissues, causing a variety of symptoms and discomfort.

Symptoms may include localized pain, swelling, pus discharge, intense itching and redness in the affected area. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the type of fly and the location of the infection.

Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation of the patient and, in some cases, the identification of larvae in the wound or lesion.

Treatment involves careful removal of the larvae and cleaning of the wound. In severe or complicated cases, additional medical procedures may be necessary.

Bibliographic references
  1. Arosemena R, Booth SA, Su WP. Cutaneous myiasis. J Am Acad Dermatol 1993; 28:254.
  2. Brewer TF, Wilson ME, Gonzalez E, Felsenstein D. Bacon therapy and furuncular myiasis. JAMA 1993; 270:2087.
  3. Lachish T, Marhoom E, Mumcuoglu KY, et al. Myiasis in Travelers. J Travel Med 2015; 22:232.
  4. Park JJ, Costello J. Tumbu Fly Larvae. N Engl J Med 2017; 376:e22.
  5. Boggild AK, Keystone JS, Kain KC. Furuncular myiasis: a simple and rapid method for extraction of intact Dermatobia hominis larvae. Clin Infect Dis 2002; 35:336.
Author
Dra. Maria Eugenia Rodriguez
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Movements under the skin


    Worm in skin.


    Lesions with a white dot in the center


    Itchy skin


    Lesions on the head, neck and torso

Self-care

Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
Cover with a clean, dry compress.
Avoid touching the larvae