Skin infections can sometimes progress into severe and disturbing conditions if left untreated. One such alarming condition is cutaneous myiasis, where fly larvae infest the skin. In some cases, it may initially resemble a boil or abscess before worsening.

The image above shows a swollen, inflamed skin lesion with a visible larval opening — a sign of advanced infection requiring urgent medical care.

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🦠 What Is Cutaneous Myiasis?

Cutaneous myiasis is a parasitic skin infection caused when certain species of flies lay eggs on human skin or open wounds. Once the eggs hatch, larvae (maggots) burrow into the tissue and begin feeding on it.

It is more common in:

• Tropical and subtropical regions
• Individuals with poor wound hygiene
• Diabetic patients
• Elderly or immunocompromised individuals
• People with untreated skin injuries

Unlike simple infections, myiasis involves living organisms inside the skin, making it both painful and psychologically distressing.

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🔎 What Is Happening in the Image?

The image shows:

• A swollen, red, raised lesion
• A central opening (breathing pore for the larva)
• Visible white larval structure
• Surrounding inflammation and infection
• Medical tools being used for extraction

This is typical of furuncular myiasis, where a larva develops under the skin and creates a boil-like swelling.

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🏥 Medical Treatment (Do NOT Attempt at Home)

⚠️ Important Warning: Never try to squeeze or remove larvae yourself. Improper removal can cause the larva to rupture inside the skin, worsening infection.

Professional treatment includes:

1️⃣ Controlled Larval Extraction

Doctors use sterile instruments to carefully remove the entire larva intact.

2️⃣ Occlusion Therapy

In some cases, petroleum-based substances are applied to block the larva’s breathing hole, forcing it to come to the surface.

3️⃣ Wound Irrigation

Thorough cleaning with antiseptic solutions.

4️⃣ Antibiotics

Prescribed to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infection.

5️⃣ Surgical Drainage

If an abscess has formed, incision and drainage may be required.