VOLUME 4 , ISSUE 2 ( July-December, 2020 ) > List of Articles
Mandeep Kaur, Inderjit Kaur
Citation Information : Kaur M, Kaur I. Cutaneous Myiasis of the Scalp Presenting as Bilateral Orbital Edema. Curr Trends Diagn Treat 2020; 4 (2):107-109.
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10055-0099
License: CC BY-NC 4.0
Published Online: 01-12-2020
Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2020; The Author(s).
Background: Myiasis is the infestation of live human tissues by the larvae of flies, more commonly known as maggots. Wound myiasis occurs when fly larvae infest open wounds. This kind of infestation may be the result of facultative or obligatory parasites. Treatment with application of mineral oil and manual removal of maggots is the usual routine. Case description: We report a case of 19-year-old female presenting with bilateral orbital edema. The differential diagnosis of eyelid erythema and edema is broad, ranging from benign, self-limiting dermatoses to malignant tumors and vision-threatening infections. History revealed that she had cutaneous myiasis of the scalp for which she was treated with mineral oil and maggots were removed manually a day prior to presentation. Irritant dermatitis by trickling of the mineral oil led to bilateral edema in this case. A definitive diagnosis usually can be made on physical examination of the eyelid, a careful evaluation of symptoms and history of exposure. Conclusion: Detailed history and meticulous workup can be of great help in the differential diagnosis of bilateral orbital edema.