Myiasis is an infection caused by the larvae (maggots) of fly species belonging to the arthropod order Diptera (two-winged adult flies). The larvae consume living or dead tissue, bodily components, or ingested food from the host. Myiasis is a kind of myiasis that affects the skin.
Depending on the kind of infection, manifestations include furuncular, wound, migratory, and intestinal myiasis.
TYPES
Types of myiasis include:
SYMPTOMS
Myiasis symptoms vary based on the kind of infection you have.
Furuncular Myiasis
Flies deposit eggs on ticks, mosquitoes, furniture, and fabrics. When mosquitoes bite or people come into contact with contaminated things, the eggs move to the skin and hatch into larvae, which burrow beneath the skin and develop. Red bumps, called furuncles, simulate insect bites or pimples.
Wound Myiasis
Fly species deposit eggs on dead or dying tissue, causing myiasis in unprotected open wounds. The larvae may infest healthy tissue, including eyes, ears, and nasal membranes. Indigent people can’t clean and protect wounds that might infect or attract parasites.
Migratory Myiasis
Myiasis is caused by fly species laying eggs on dead or dying tissue, which can move to healthy tissue and infest eyes, ears, or mucosal membranes. People who are indigent or unable to care for themselves are especially vulnerable to this type of infection, as they can’t clean and cover the wound, which can become infected or attract parasites.
Intestinal Myiasis
Fly eggs may live in the colon and cause symptoms such as stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and vomiting in rare situations. You may also see larvae in your feces after defecating.
DIAGNOSIS
The clinical look of the lesions, related symptoms, and travel history are used to diagnose myiasis. Dermoscopy, biopsies, and ultrasonography are all beneficial.
Moreover, submerging the lesion in water may confirm the diagnosis since bubbling will occur if the larva is alive.
TREATMENT
If you have furuncular or migratory myiasis, see a doctor for myiasis removal. A doctor may numb the skin with a topical anesthetic and make a tiny incision where the larvae are. Doctors thoroughly clean the area and remove dead tissue to treat wound myiasis. Intestinal myiasis may resolve on its own or may need anti-parasitic medication. Cleaning properly will help to avoid infection and recurrence of myiasis.
Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), formerly known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, is [...]
Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by [...]
Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA) is a relatively common type of brain [...]
