Overview
Creeping myiasis, also known as cutaneous myiasis or larva migrans caused by fly larvae, is an infection of the skin caused by the larvae (maggots) of certain flies. The larvae burrow into the top layers of the skin and slowly move through the tissue, leaving a winding, snake-like trail that you can often see just beneath the skin surface. This trail is what gives the condition its name — 'creeping' refers to the way the larvae move under the skin over days or weeks. The most common flies responsible include species like Gasterophilus (horse botflies) and Hypoderma (cattle botflies), whose larvae accidentally infect humans. The condition is not caused by a genetic mutation — it is an infectious disease triggered by contact with fly larvae, usually in areas where these flies are common or where people have close contact with animals. Symptoms include intense itching, a visible moving track under the skin, redness, swelling, and sometimes small bumps or blisters along the trail. The condition is rarely life-threatening but can be very uncomfortable. Treatment is straightforward and usually involves antiparasitic medications such as ivermectin or albendazole, or in some cases, physical removal of the larvae. With proper treatment, most people recover fully.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Intense itching under the skinA visible winding or snake-like track just beneath the skin surfaceRedness and swelling along the trackSmall raised bumps or blisters near the moving trailA sensation of something moving under the skinSkin irritation that slowly moves from one area to another over daysOccasional pain or burning at the siteSwollen lymph nodes near the affected area in some casesSkin that looks inflamed or irritated along the trail path
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Creeping myiasis.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Creeping myiasis at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Creeping myiasis.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Creeping myiasis.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Creeping myiasis.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Creeping myiasis
No recent news articles for Creeping myiasis.
Follow this condition to be notified when news becomes available.
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Which medication do you recommend for my case — ivermectin or albendazole — and how long will I need to take it?,How will I know if the treatment is working? What changes should I look for in the skin track?,Is there any risk that the larvae have spread to deeper tissues or my eyes?,Do I need any follow-up blood tests or skin checks after treatment?,How did I get this infection, and how can I prevent it from happening again?,Are there any side effects from the antiparasitic medication I should watch out for?,Should other members of my household or travel companions be checked or treated?
Common questions about Creeping myiasis
What is Creeping myiasis?
Creeping myiasis, also known as cutaneous myiasis or larva migrans caused by fly larvae, is an infection of the skin caused by the larvae (maggots) of certain flies. The larvae burrow into the top layers of the skin and slowly move through the tissue, leaving a winding, snake-like trail that you can often see just beneath the skin surface. This trail is what gives the condition its name — 'creeping' refers to the way the larvae move under the skin over days or weeks. The most common flies responsible include species like Gasterophilus (horse botflies) and Hypoderma (cattle botflies), whose la
How is Creeping myiasis inherited?
Creeping myiasis follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.