Ways To Treat And Prevent Myiasis

Myiasis is a unique type of parasitic infection that affects both animals and humans. The name comes for the Greek word 'myia,' which translates to fly. The disease arises in the form of a red, small, raised, bite-like bump on the skin. The wound produces a discharge especially when pressure is applied to it. It sometimes causes discomfort and itchiness to the host. The fly maggots or the larvae then start growing inside the body. Parasites invade parts of the human body and feed on tissues for survival. Some of the most common types of parasites include the screw fly, blow fly, and botfly. The vulnerable parts they attack include the legs, the scalp, face, arms, and shoulders.

Various classifications of the infestations are in existence. The grouping depends on multiple factors. The factors include the place of infection, the type of flies found on the host, and the interrelationship between the host and the parasite. Reveal the different ways myiasis can be treated and managed now.

Surgery

The parasites have various ways in which they enter the human body. The most common way is through moist soil. Using other agents such as the common housefly is also a common method the parasites enter the body. The houseflies help in transferring the parasitic maggots onto the skin. The first step is to remove the larvae using the suffocation method or the occlusive technique. The suffocation technique entails blocking the airway to the lesion by covering it. The two most preferred coverings include petroleum jelly or liquid paraffin. Covering the wound deprives the larvae oxygen to breathe. The parasite will, therefore, have to come out. A doctor at that point can remove it using forceps.

The second approach entails applying pressure around the lesion. The pressure will force out the parasite, and the doctor can remove it using a pair of forceps. Once the two interventions fail, the doctors will have to conduct surgery on the affected area to remove the parasites.

Keep reading to learn more about treating and managing myiasis.

Proper Wound Hygiene

Most individuals have wounds after having surgery to remove the parasites from the infected area. Make sure you take care of the injuries to avoid having further infections on the exposed area. It is highly likely you can get infections if you do not practice proper wound hygiene. The initial step you can take is to move from the environment infested by flies. The situation poses a risk as the healing wound may get re-infested easily before fully healing. Make sure your scars stay covered with the right kind of dressing advised by the doctor.

Take care of the environment you live in to prevent your wounds from coming into contact with contaminated surfaces. Ensure proper wound hygiene through regular cleaning by use of the recommended cleaning agents. Washing hands before touching the wounds and after is a critical measure. The move prevents the wound from contacting other infections carried by your hands.

Taking care of the wound entails taking care of the whole body. It is likely larvae may transfer from other parts of the body to the wound. Bath daily and make sure your body is clean at all times. Remember when you notice any signs of the wound deteriorating, seek medical help.

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Protect Skin With Repellant And Clothing

The parasites affect not only the exposed skin but also normal healthy skin. Therefore, all types of skin are vulnerable to invasion by the larvae. Taking care of your skin is, therefore, a priority in the prevention against the condition. Take a bath regularly with good soap to ensure your skin is clean. Take care of your hands by washing before and after taking meals.

Protect your skin with repellent and clothing when playing with your pets. Take precaution by having your pets checked from time to time by a professional vet. The measure helps to ensure your pets do not have myiasis and so you reduce the chances of contracting the disease. In as much as you try to protect your skin with repellent and clothing, it may be futile if you keep touching animals you know no history about. Keep away from interacting and touching stray animals as you do not know if they have the disease.

Put your clothes on. Ensure the clothes you wear to cover all your skin especially if you live in a fly prone region. You can wear full trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and socks to shield your skin. Repellants are equally useful in keeping the flies away from coming into contact with your skin.

Get to know the next way in which myiasis is prevented.

Use Window Screens And Mosquito Nets

The population of flies is prevalent mostly in the rural tropical areas. This is the areas where the window screens and mosquito nets should not be undermined. The rural tropical and the subtropical regions usually have a high concentration of the flies that cause the infection.

Taking care of your environment and learning how to use window screens and mosquito nets should be the first priority. Makes sure you dispose of the waste in the compound well. This will help reduce the number of flies coming to your home.

You can then now use window screens and mosquito nets to prevent the flies from entering the house. Close any ventilation found on the walls of the house. You can utilize the mesh screen to keep off the flies and especially mosquitoes that can transfer the larvae. Install self-closing devices for the screen doors to automatically keep the flies away.

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Wash Anything That Touches The Wound

In case you have a wound, make sure you keep the wound dressing clean and dry. The habit helps in avoiding re-infestations. Ensure you properly wash clothes or anything that comes in contact with the wound. Also, iron your clothes after washing to kill any flies clinging on them. When drying the clothes, hang them on open airspace and under direct sunlight. The practice helps in ensuring they drain well to kill any clinging maggots. Properly wash clothes and avoid reusing dirty clothes. Ensure the environment around you is clean to avoid getting into contact with infected flies. Remember, regularly wash your hands after playing with pets, after eating, and after attending to your wound.