Cutaneous Myiasis Caused by Hypoderma spp: a Challenging case in the Family Doctor’s Office

Abstract

Myiasis is a parasitic infection caused by fly larvae, which affects the dermis and epidermis, characterized by a skin disease of pruritic erythematous plaques. We present the case of a 49-year-old woman with a pruritic, erythematous rash located in the lower limbs. Management was started with ivermectin and antibiotics without improvement, the diagnosis was subsequently confirmed with a biopsy, finding larvae of Hypoderma spp., and treatment with albendazole was given with clinical improvement and remission of the lesions in two weeks. Primary care physicians must have an adequate clinical history and  a great diagnostic suspicion when facing this clinical challenge.