Cutaneous Myiasis Presenting as Painful Leg Nodules Following a Fishing Trip to El Salvador: A Case Report

TL;DR

A man who traveled to El Salvador developed painful leg nodules caused by cutaneous myiasis, highlighting the condition's importance in travelers and an effective treatment method.

Contribution

A minimally traumatic larval extraction technique for cutaneous myiasis is demonstrated and emphasized.

Findings

Cutaneous myiasis caused by Dermatobia hominis was diagnosed in a traveler from El Salvador.

A minimally traumatic larval extraction technique was successfully used for treatment.

The case emphasizes the need to consider myiasis in the differential diagnosis of painful skin nodules in returning travelers.

Abstract

We report the case of a 50-year-old Hispanic man with recent travel to El Salvador, who developed two painful nodules on his right lower extremity following a fishing trip. Upon medical evaluation, the nodules were diagnosed as cutaneous myiasis, likely caused by Dermatobia hominis. Videos demonstrating a minimally traumatic larval extraction technique are included. This case underscores the importance of considering myiasis in the differential diagnosis of painful skin nodules in returning travelers and highlights an effective removal method.

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