Cutaneous Myiasis: Devils in the Flesh

Autochthonous Furuncular Myiasis in the United States: Case Report and Literature Review

“…Human myiasis has been categorized both according to the body site affected and according to the oviposition or larviposition habits of the flies that cause the myiasis-namely, obligate or facultative (opportunistic) [18,19]. Obligate myiasis results from infestation with obligate parasite species, which require living tissue for development and are fairly host specific.…”

“…Extrusion of fly larvae by injecting lidocaine into the base of the warble to force out the larva has been reported to be successful [56]. Intralesional injection of chloroform or ether is not recommended because of tissue destruction and necrosis caused by these agents [19,57]. In a recent case report, Boggild et al [58] describe a novel, rapid method for extraction of D. hominis larvae consisting of application of a snake venom extractor to the furuncular lesion; an intact, motile larva was removed.…”

Myiasis in a Pregnant Woman and an Effective, Sterile Method of Surgical Extraction

“… 12 This method, however, has been known to lead to tissue necrosis and there is an additional risk of secondary infection and a larger wound. 13 Finally, Lane et al 14 describe the placement of a cruciate incision which prevents damage to the larva and allows easier extraction without leaving remnants in the wound.…”

Opportunistic Cutaneous Myiasis

“…[3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Therapy consists of three general techniques: mechanical or surgical d\l=e'\bridement;application of toxic substances to the larvae, eggs, or both; and techniques producing localized hypoxia to force emergence of the larvae. Cutaneous myiasis in man tends to occur in individuals who work in, or travel to, tropical climates and in individuals with poor personal hygiene and open wounds.…”