Infestations: myiasis: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dermatology · Infestations: myiasis

Sample item

A farmer has a boil-like nodule with a central pore from which the movement of a larva is sometimes seen. What is the best method of management?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Occlude the punctum to make the larva emerge, then remove it

Furuncular myiasis is caused by larvae of flies such as Dermatobia hominis or Cordylobia anthropophaga. Occluding the breathing pore with petroleum jelly forces the larva out and surgical removal is also done.

Option by option

  • A. Topical corticosteroid

    Steroids would not remove the larva.

  • B. Oral griseofulvin

    Griseofulvin treats dermatophytes.

  • C. Occlude the punctum to make the larva emerge, then remove it (correct)

    Correct. Occlusion prompts emergence for easy removal.

  • D. Wait for spontaneous resolution without removal

    Retained larvae cause secondary infection.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is C, Occlude the punctum to make the larva emerge, then remove it. Furuncular myiasis is caused by larvae of flies such as Dermatobia hominis or Cordylobia anthropophaga.

Why is "Topical corticosteroid" not the answer?

Steroids would not remove the larva.

Why is "Oral griseofulvin" not the answer?

Griseofulvin treats dermatophytes.

Why is "Wait for spontaneous resolution without removal" not the answer?

Retained larvae cause secondary infection.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infestations: myiasis in Dermatology. Occluding the breathing pore with petroleum jelly forces the larva out and surgical removal is also done.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Infestations: myiasis?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.