Cutaneous myiasis is a parasitic skin infestation caused by the larvae (maggots) of certain fly species.
Parasites are organisms that live on or inside another organism (the host) and depend on the host for nutrition to live. Some species of flies lay their eggs on other insects or on objects that may come into contact with people’s skin. Some flies deposit their eggs in or near a wound or sore. The eggs hatch and become larvae, which are parasites that can burrow into skin.
There are 3 main types of skin infestation by fly larvae:
Furuncular (pimple-like or boil-like) myiasis
Wound myiasis
Migratory myiasis
The disorders vary depending on the species of fly involved. These infestations usually occur in tropical countries. People in the United States who have myiasis usually have recently arrived from or visited a tropical country.
Furuncular myiasis
Many of the flies that cause furuncular myiasis are commonly known as bot flies. The most well-known species of flies that cause furuncular myiasis come from South and Central America and sub-Saharan and tropical Africa. Other species come from North America, Europe, and Pakistan. Many of the flies do not lay eggs on humans. Instead, the flies lay their eggs on other insects (such as mosquitoes) or on objects (such as drying laundry) that may come into contact with people’s skin.
Eggs hatch into larvae, which burrow into the skin and develop into mature larvae. The mature larvae are up to ½ to 1 inch (about 1.3 to 2.5 centimeters) long, depending on the species. If people are not treated, the larvae eventually emerge from the skin and drop to the ground to continue their life cycle.
Typical symptoms of furuncular myiasis include itching, a sensation of movement, and sometimes sharp, stabbing pain. At first, people have a small red bump that may resemble a common insect bite or the beginning of a pimple (furuncle). Later, the bump enlarges, and a small opening may be visible at the center. The opening may drain clear, yellowish fluid, and sometimes a small portion of the end of the larva is visible.
There are different treatment approaches, which may vary depending on access and availability to specific interventions. Because larvae require oxygen, blocking the skin opening may cause them to leave or at least come closer to the surface. When they are closer to the surface, it is easier to pull them out. To block the skin opening, some people apply petroleum jelly, nail polish, or even bacon or a paste of tobacco. Larvae that die before being removed are harder to get out and often cause an intense inflammatory reaction.
Wound myiasis
Open wounds, typically in people who are unsheltered, those who have alcohol use disorder, and anyone experiencing substandard hygienic conditions, may become infested with fly larvae. The tissues that line the mouth, nose, or eyes (mucosa) may also become infested. The most common flies are green or black blowflies. Unlike the larvae (maggots) of common houseflies, most larvae that cause wound myiasis invade healthy as well as dead tissue.
Doctors remove the larvae by flushing the wounds and pulling the larvae out. Doctors also cut away any dead tissue.
Migratory myiasis
The most common sources are flies that typically infest horses and cattle. People can become infested if they have contact with infested animals. Less often, the flies lay eggs directly on people. Larvae do not stay in one spot. They burrow under the skin, causing itchy lesions that may be mistaken for cutaneous larva migrans.
The treatment of migratory myiasis is the same as for furuncular myiasis.
