Cutaneous myiasis in neglected patients with autoimmune bullous disorders: a case series

Cutaneous myiasis is an infestation of the tissues and organs of living vertebrates and humans by fly larvae, usually those belonging to the Calliphoridae family. The larvae feed on the host's necrotic or living tissue. Pre-existing dermatological conditions and poor hygiene are predisposing factors for cutaneous myiasis, which is especially common among neglected, dependent patients. Our literature search revealed only a few case reports of cutaneous myiasis in autoimmune bullous disorders (AIBDs). Cutaneous myiasis is more common in the population of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu because AIBDs, such as pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid, are erroneously considered to be chickenpox and are treated with neem and turmeric preparations, alongside poor hygiene practices. We report a case series of eight patients with AIBDs and cutaneous myiasis.