The Botfly Diaries
Botfly maggot removal demands calm technique, patience, hygiene, and care.
Botfly larvae infestations occur when a fly deposits eggs that hatch beneath skin, causing swelling, pain, and movement sensations. Removal should be careful to avoid rupturing the larva, which can worsen inflammation or infection. Traditionally, practitioners occlude the breathing pore using petroleum jelly, adhesive tape, or oil, depriving oxygen and encouraging the larva to emerge. Once visible, steady traction with sterile forceps can extract it intact. In clinical settings, local anesthesia and minor incision may be used, followed by irrigation. After removal, the wound should be cleaned thoroughly, treated with antiseptic, and monitored for redness, fever, or discharge. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed if secondary infection is suspected. Preventive measures include wearing protective clothing, using insect repellents, and checking skin after travel in endemic regions. Education is vital, as squeezing or cutting without guidance can leave fragments behind. When in doubt, seeking medical care ensures safe extraction, faster healing, and reduced complications for patients. Follow-up visits confirm recovery, address scarring concerns, and reinforce prevention advice. Proper documentation and hygiene protocols protect caregivers and support public health education efforts. Early recognition reduces distress and limits complications significantly for travelers worldwide every year.
