What is Myiasis?
Myiasis is a skin infection caused by a fly larva, usually occurring in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Infection can occur when flies deposit their eggs on or near open skin, and the larvae that hatch burrow into the skin. Some flies attach their eggs to mosquitoes, flies or ticks, and the egg is transferred to the skin when the insect bites. These are known as bot flies and are typically found in South and Central America. Another type of fly known as the tumbu fly (usually found in Africa) lays its eggs on the ground or on damp cloth such as clothing or bed linens that are line-dried outside. You can then get infected by contact with the ground or clothes that have fly larvae attached to them.
What is Tungiasis?
This occurs when the sand flea (jigger or chigoe) enters the skin and layseggs. It is found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including Mexico to South America, the West Indies and Africa.
Clinical presentation
Myiasis
A lump develops under the skin as the larva grows. Larvae under the skin sometimes move slightly, causing a burning sensation. They rarely travel far, usually remaining in the same place.
Tungiasis
The flea burrows into the skin and lays eggs which form into an intensely itchy blister, usually on the feet.
Advice and Prevention
In tropical areas, cover your skin to limit insect bites. Avoid walking barefoot in rural areas. Iron any clothes that were dried outside.
How are these parasites removed?
A specialist nurse will remove them. The process will be explained to you, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions.
Myasis: A clear lubricant will be applied to the site to block the airhole for around 30 minutes. This will deprive the larva of oxygen and enable us to extract it. We have to press very hard around the area to facilitate removal. This may bruise the skin. The affected area will heal on its own. It is important to note that if the larvae are very small, it may be difficult to remove them, in which case you may be asked to come back after they have had a chance to grow.
Tungiasis: Anaesthetic cream will be applied to the site of the jigger flea, along with a clear dressing. The cream will reduce discomfort. Small cuts will be made around the edge of the area to enable us to lift it out. We will then remove the jigger flea and egg sack and cleanse the area thoroughly.
After care instructions
The area will be cleaned and a dressing applied. You should keep the area clean and dry. It should heal as the source of the infection has been removed. If the area becomes more hot, red or painful or if you develop pus, contact your GP for advice on possible bacterial infection.
Further reading and references
Contact details
The Hospital for Tropical Diseases,
2nd Floor, Mortimer Market Centre
Capper Street, London
WC1E 6JB
Telephone: 020 34475968
Switchboard: 020 3447 5968
Hospital for Tropical Diseases
Email: uclh.
Further information
Have you travelled to a tropical country in the last 6 months and are you recently unwell? You can be seen in our emergency walk-in clinic Monday to Friday 9am–4pm.
Our travel medicine service offers specialist travel advice including, for individuals with complex health conditions. We offer this on a private and NHS referral basis. Please contact uclh.
If you need a large print, audio, braille, easy read or translated copy of this document, please contact us on 020 3456 7891. We will try our best to meet your needs.
Page last updated: 25 March 2026
Review due: 31 March 2028