Hand Furuncular Myiasis of an Infant in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia: A Case Report

Abstract

Furuncular myiasis is a rare disease that affects the skin and is caused by growing maggots of different types of fly species within the arthropod order Diptera. The symptoms of the disease include itching, a sensation of movement, and sometimes fever. The disease predominantly occurs in tropical and subtropical areas. In Saudi Arabia, furuncular myiasis is reported to occur frequently in the Western region. Herein, we present a case of a 10 months-old Saudi girl who came with multiple lesions over her scalp and left hand starting five days following a trip to Al Shafa, southwest of Saudi Arabia. The patient’s lesion was red, solid, and increased in size gradually. On examination, a papule with a central punctum was present on the left hand at the dorsal aspect of the first web space. The patient underwent an urgent operation to extract the larvae under general anesthesia. Excision of the furuncular myiasis larvae was done using a punch-biopsy blade with pressurized irrigation of the pocket with normal saline and diluted betadine solution. After two weeks, the patient showed a completely recovered skin infection. Having sufficient clinical awareness is necessary to prevent such disease, diagnose it, and prevent further spreading.