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What is Myiasis?
• Cause: Certain fly species lay eggs in wounds, ulcers, or moist body areas. These eggs hatch into maggots that feed on the surrounding tissue.
• Common Sites: Wounds, skin ulcers, ears, nose, or other body cavities.
• Symptoms:
• Pain, itching, and foul odor.
• Visible movement of maggots in the wound.
• Signs of infection like redness, swelling, or discharge.
Steps for Maggot Removal
1. Seek Medical Attention: Always consult a healthcare provider to avoid complications like secondary infections.
2. Initial Wound Care:
• Clean the Area: Use sterile saline or an antiseptic solution.
• Flush the Wound: Irrigate the area thoroughly to expose maggots.
3. Manual Removal:
• Using sterile forceps, gently extract visible maggots one at a time.
• Be cautious not to crush maggots, as this can release toxins.
4. Use of Smothering Agents (if medical help is unavailable temporarily):
• Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly, iodine, or paraffin oil. This deprives maggots of oxygen, forcing them to come to the surface.
• Once they emerge, remove them with sterile instruments.
5. Medical Treatment:
• Antibiotics: To prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections.
• Wound Dressing: Keep the wound clean and covered to promote healing.
6. Advanced Medical Options:
• Surgical removal may be necessary for severe infestations.
• Medications like ivermectin can be prescribed to kill larvae in systemic cases.
Prevention Tips
• Maintain proper hygiene, especially for open wounds.
• Protect wounds with sterile dressings.
• Use insect repellents or protective clothing in fly-infested areas.
• Avoid sleeping near livestock or garbage heaps, where flies are common.