Overview
Furuncular myiasis caused by Dermatobia hominis — also known as human botfly infestation or tropical botfly myiasis — is a parasitic skin condition caused by the larvae (maggots) of the botfly Dermatobia hominis. This fly is found mainly in Central and South America and parts of Mexico. The condition occurs when botfly eggs, often carried by mosquitoes or other insects, are deposited on human skin. Once the eggs hatch, the tiny larvae burrow into the skin and grow inside a small, boil-like lump called a furuncle. The larva breathes through a small hole at the surface of the skin. The main symptom is a slowly growing, painful or itchy lump under the skin that may feel like it is moving. People sometimes notice a small opening at the top of the lump and may feel a crawling or wriggling sensation. The lump can become red, swollen, and tender over time. Occasionally, a clear or bloody fluid drains from the opening. The good news is that this condition is very treatable. The standard treatment is removal of the larva, either by a doctor using surgical tools or by blocking the breathing hole to force the larva out. Once the larva is fully removed, most people recover completely without lasting problems. Antibiotics may be given if there is a secondary skin infection. This condition is not passed from person to person and is not inherited.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
A slowly growing, boil-like lump under the skinPain or tenderness around the lumpItching at the site of the lumpA sensation of movement or wriggling under the skinA small hole or opening at the top of the lumpDischarge of clear, bloody, or pus-like fluid from the lumpRedness and swelling around the affected areaThe lump does not go away on its own over weeksRecent travel to Central or South America or Mexico
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 Furuncular myiasis due to Dermatobia hominis.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Furuncular myiasis due to Dermatobia hominis.
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 Furuncular myiasis due to Dermatobia hominis.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Can you confirm that this lump is a botfly larva and not something else?,What is the safest way to remove the larva, and will it hurt?,Is there any risk of the larva breaking during removal, and what happens if it does?,Do I need antibiotics after the larva is removed?,How do I care for the wound at home after the procedure?,Are there any signs of infection I should watch for after removal?,How can I avoid getting this again if I travel to the same region?
Common questions about Furuncular myiasis due to Dermatobia hominis
What is Furuncular myiasis due to Dermatobia hominis?
Furuncular myiasis caused by Dermatobia hominis — also known as human botfly infestation or tropical botfly myiasis — is a parasitic skin condition caused by the larvae (maggots) of the botfly Dermatobia hominis. This fly is found mainly in Central and South America and parts of Mexico. The condition occurs when botfly eggs, often carried by mosquitoes or other insects, are deposited on human skin. Once the eggs hatch, the tiny larvae burrow into the skin and grow inside a small, boil-like lump called a furuncle. The larva breathes through a small hole at the surface of the skin. The main sym
How is Furuncular myiasis due to Dermatobia hominis inherited?
Furuncular myiasis due to Dermatobia hominis follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.