Background: Myiasis designates the infestation of live human and vertebrate animals with dipterous (two-winged) larvae (maggots) and is the fourth most common travel-associated skin disease. Furuncle is the most common aspect of cutaneous myiasis.
Case presentation: A 24-year-old Caucasian female had been back from Cap-Vert. She described pruritus, slight pain, and the sensation of a foreign body moving in the eyelid. Physical examination showed a single furuncle-like nodule with surrounding erythema and a central pore of the upper eyelid through which a serosanguinous fluid was exuding. A larval end was visible to the naked eye through the aforementioned pore. Treatment consisted of the application of petroleum jelly (Vaseline®) to produce localized hypoxia. A transparent occlusive dressing was set for a duration of 2 h. The larva, Cordylobia antropophaga, spontaneously externalized to breathe and was extracted.
Discussion: There is an increase in travelers returning from tropical countries. Consequently, travel-associated dermatoses are increasing in non-endemic countries. Context of travel and typical clinical presentation strongly suggested to evoke a cutaneous myiasis. The typical furuncular lesion is a papule or nodule with a central punctum that exudes serosanguinous or purulent fluid. Ultrasound can be used to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment consists of three techniques: methods producing localized hypoxia to force emergence of the larvae, application of toxic substances to the eggs and larvae, and mechanical or surgical debridement. Surgery and antibiotics are usually unnecessary. Prevention of furunculous myiasis is based on vector control and individual actions to improve hygiene.
Keywords: Cordylobia antropophaga; Cutaneous myiasis; Extraction; Furuncle; Hypoxia; Larva; Travel.
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