Excision of furuncular myiasis larvae using a punch: a simple, practical and aesthetic method*

Gianne Pascoal, Fernanda Queiroz de Oliveira, Rosana Rocon Siqueira, Maria Gabriela Araújo Lopes, Marcelino Pereira Martins, Aloísio Carlos Couri Gamonal

Myiasis refers to Diptera larvae infesting vertebrate animals. There are two forms of the disease: primary and secondary. In primary myiasis, fly larvae invade and develop in healthy tissue; in secondary myiasis, flies lay their eggs in skin ulcerations, and the larvae develop in tissue necrosis products. Furuncular myiasis is a type of primary myiasis. Treatment for it consists of techniques such as the production of localized hypoxia to force the emergence of the larvae, and mechanical or surgical removal of the maggots. These techniques, however, are painful and often unsuccessful. We propose a new technique for extraction of myiasis larvae, which might facilitate the surgical procedure and constitute a virtually painless and aesthetic option for the patient.