Hi,

This is going to seem like a strange question, but I've asked others
with no success.

Is it possible for small, tiny (very tiny)black flies to live on a
human? If so, what are these flies and what can I do to get rid of
them?

---

Request for Question Clarification by pinkfreud-ga on 17 Jul 2003 15:14 PDT

What, precisely, is meant by "live on a human"? Certainly flies can
bite humans. Are you asking whether flies can go through their entire
life cycle while residing on a living human body?

---

Request for Question Clarification by byrd-ga on 17 Jul 2003 15:43 PDT

Hi Chelseamom,

There are some insects and other small creatures like ticks that can
infest the human body.  Some are very small and may resemble tiny
black flies.  Other skin diseases caused by fungi or bacteria may also
appear to be small bugs or flies.  Of course, a Researcher isn't able
to provide a diagnosis for any particular condition (please see the
disclaimer below), but there is quite a bit of information available
related to your question.  Would you be interested in some links with
information about these various insect infestations and related skin
disorders as an answer to your quesiton?

Regards,
--Byrd

---

Request for Question Clarification by knowledge_seeker-ga on 17 Jul 2003 16:17 PDT

There is also a bodily sensation where one feels as though there are
ants or flies crawling on one's skin, but there are no insects to be
found. This feeling is occassionally associated with menopause or the
use of certain medications.

If you'd like me to follow up with more information about this, just
let me know.

Thanks -

-K~

---

Clarification of Question by chelseamom-ga on 18 Jul 2003 06:00 PDT

Hi - 

Thank you both for your responses. 

Well.. I have seen two dermatologists, both who have ensured me that
upon examination, they see nothing. They've had me try a few different
prescription things to no success though. This is NOT in my head. I've
been dealing with this for almost 10 years. Just yesterday, I killed 7
(yes, seven) of these tiny flies.

A few years ago, I sent several specimens to the University of
Colorado just to see what these flies are. I also explained my
situation. They wrote back that they appear to be variants of common
fruit flies. They said that they couldn't spend their lives on a
human, that they don't live long, and that I'm just probably more
aware of them then rest.

They may be the "experts" but I know what I have been experiencing.
And... It's not like I'm the only one seeing them either! Just
yesterday, I was in closed door meeting and one flew out from what
appeared to my head/hair. My boss had to shoo it away. In the
afternoon, I was in another meeting - same thing. I even flew to
London a few months ago and what to you know, these "flies" flew with
me. I was a bridesmaid at a wedding last month. At the head table, the
person next to me had to shoo away the fly that landed on his plate.
At the hairdressers, the hairdresser commented on this little fly that
is flying around (I swear it's from me). I could give you hundreds
(and I do mean hundreds) of examples like this.

Like I said, if I were to toss my hair, you'd find nothing. This makes
me think that somehow these flies have gotten into my body and perhaps
are exiting through my skin? I realize this may sound so ridiculous.
You may even be inclined to think this is in my head. I ask you to
please reserve that judgment though. This isn't the case. I'm a highly
educated professional and completely sane! I'm just still trying to
find answers to this problem.

I've seen pictures of fruit flies. What I see does not look like fruit
flies though. I wonder if the U of C was wrong.

What could these be (and yes, more information would be appreciated).
What can I do?

Thanks

Dear Chelseamom,

First of all, please allow me to assure you I don’t question your
sanity.  Rather I quite sympathize with what seems to be a very
perplexing and extremely annoying problem.  Such distressing matters
are made all the worse when one cannot find answers, especially from
the supposed “experts.”   However, you wouldn’t be the first person to
experience an unusual health or pest problem and be forced by
circumstance to have to solve the mystery largely on your own.

Again, please see the disclaimer at the bottom of the page stating
that we as Researchers can provide general information only, which is
not to be construed as medical diagnosis or professional advice of any
kind.  That said, let’s see if we can find some information to
hopefully augment what you already know about possible causes for your
unfortunate and upsetting experience with these flies, and provide you
some new paths to pursue:

Since you see these insects fly, it would seem unlikely that you are
experiencing an infestation of body lice or other similar pests since
they do not fly.  This would include such creatures as mites, ticks,
bedbugs and fleas.  Nevertheless, just in the interest of
thoroughness, here are a few links describing these common and
unpleasant pests, which you might like to have to use in the process
of elimination, if nothing else:

Here is an excellent page with photos of most human pests.  The page
is from Australia, but the photograph collection is excellent and
extensive, covering not only Australian but general pests, and could
be quite useful in identification or the process of elimination:
http://medent.usyd.edu.au/photos/insect%20photos.htm

Lecture: “Insects Living on You:”
http://www.ent.orst.edu/burgettm/ent300_lecture15.htm

“Get This Bug Off of Me”
http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/Entomology/ythfacts/stories/hurtrnot.htm

Cutaneous [skin] Parasite Home Page:
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Delphi/9542/index.html

Article on Parasitic Skin Infestations:
http://www.drmhijazy.com/english/chapters/chapter12_2.htm#136

In addition to the foregoing, as the comment below from
austin_trill-ga suggests, there is a very unpleasant infestation of
the human body by a fly larvae, known as myiasis, which is a
combination of two Latin words meaning “fly” and “disease.”  In these
cases the human (or animal) host is bitten by an insect carrying the
larvae of another, which, through the bite, is then deposited in the
skin of the human or animal, where it fastens itself and then proceeds
to feed off the living tissue as it grows and matures.  When the
larvae matures it leaves the host and goes off to infect another
insect and repeat the cycle.  Basically it means you have maggots
growing in your body.  Lovely prospect, isn’t it?

This type of insect infestation is not especially rare, but is often
missed or misdiagnosed in the U.S. and other ‘civilized’ countries as
it is far more common in rural areas of South and Central America as
well as Africa.  Unless a doctor in the U.S. is made aware that this
is a possibility (s)he is likely to not consider it.  Usually when it
is found here, it is in someone who has just returned from traveling
in an area where the condition is endemic.

However, even if this is a possibility for you, the usual symptoms of
localised swelling, intermittent pain, fever, malaise and somtimes
pruritis or itching do not seem to pertain to your situation.  Again,
though, here are some links with detailed descriptions of various
types of myiasis, and the particular species of flies that cause it,
the most common of which is the human bot fly:

Exotic Myiasis
http://medent.usyd.edu.au/fact/myiasis.html
Discussion of intestinal myiasis: 
http://www.cdc.gov/epo/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00000503.htm
One very unsettling example of human myiasis:
http://www.vexman.com/botfly.htm
Human Infestation With Rodent Botfly Larvae
http://www.sma.org/smj/97feb22.htm
“Human myiasis caused by Phormia regina [black blowfly] in
Pennsylvania”
http://www.japmaonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/80/11/600
Abstract from Medscape article on myiasis:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/410129_print
Myiasis and control (more on livestock, but still has good info):
http://www.roberth.u-net.com/myiasis.htm

So, searching further while keeping your description in mind, I came
across some information about gnats, or the tiny little fruit flies
most of us are familiar with.  On reading some of those descriptions,
combined with the identification you received from the U. of Colorado,
and also taking into account my own experiences with these annoying
little pests over the years, it occurred to me to suggest the
possibility that you are indeed being annoyed by these critters.  Some
things to consider would be what personal products you use and your
individual habits and surroundings.

Since these flies are drawn to organic matter, fruits in particular,
is there any chance the shampoo you use, for instance, may, as many
do, have some kind of organic or fruit base, i.e. do you favor
strawberry, or peach or green apple products?  How about conditioners,
lotions, body washes, etc.?  Is it your habit to carry food or fruit
with you in a bag or purse?  Do you keep fruit out on the counter or
table in your home?  Do you have houseplants, or any slow moving
drains where a gelatinous organic layer may have built up?  It may be
that, since it is an observed fact that these flies do congregate
around a person’s head, you could simply be attracting them without
realizing it due to your habits or surroundings, and they’re just
acompanying you where you go.
Another related possibility could be that, even if you are not
carrying them with you, since they are quite ubiquitous, you may just
be inadvertently attracting them wherever you go by something about
your person that you just don't realize, such as perfume or the things
mentioned above.

That is only a suggestion, of course, but if you think it has merit,
here are some links for you to investigate:

Identifying flies (some links have pictures):
http://www.adamspestcontrol.com/resources/smallflies.htm
http://www.growinglifestyle.com.au/h/pest/fly/
http://ipcm.wisc.edu/programs/school/section_5/flies.htm
“Insects and Related Pests of Man and Animals” with drawings and
detailed descriptions:
http://ipm.ncsu.edu/AG369/
“The Ultimate Source for Fly Facts:”
http://www.pestcontrol-products.com/fly_facts.htm
Good short description of gnats: 
http://home.howstuffworks.com/question688.htm
The Bug Guy page:
http://www.bug-guy.com/   Fruit flies and gnats in particular:
http://www.bug-guy.com/FRUIT%20FLIES-GNATS.htm

How to get rid of fruit flies:
http://biology.dal.ca/facultyWeb/lloyd/fliesinyourkitchen.htm
More advice on elimination:
http://www.cindisullivan.com/temp/000046.php
http://www.atlanticextermco.com/fruitflies.htm

Comprehensive academic discussion of flies with further links:
http://www2.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/ftp/bwiegman/fly_html/diptera.html

And just for, er, “fun,” or interesting further reading, some stories
of human infestations by insects can be found at:
http://www.snopes.com/horrors/insects/

I do hope the information provided is helpful, and the links will give
you useful avenues to pursue in your quest to discover what the pests
troubling you could possibly be.   Keeping in mind that any
information offered here isn’t to be considered a substite for
professional advice, if anything isn’t clear, please be sure to use
the “Request Clarification” feature before rating and closing the
question.  I’ll be glad to offer further assistance to ensure your
satisfaction with the helpfulness of the information provided.

Thank you for the opportunity to work on this interesting (if rather
scary) question.  I wish you all the best in identifying and ridding
yourself of this problem once and for all!

Regards
--Byrd


Search terms used:
human insect infestation
human insect parasites
ticks mites bedbugs fleas human
human myiasis
human myiasis diagnosis treatment
fly infestation "human body"
infestation “fruit flies” OR gnats
"fruit flies" gnats infestation human
identifying fruit flies

---

Request for Answer Clarification by chelseamom-ga on 18 Jul 2003 10:53 PDT

Thank you so much Byrd. As I read your response, I am in tears. 10
years of trying to figure out just what is going on here. I've seen
doctors, I've sent specimens to the U. of C., I've shampood with lice
treatments even though doctors confirmed I never had that, I've used
chemical pesticides that you use to kill flying insects (stupid, I
know, but in desparation, one will try anything), I've shampooed with
flea and tick shampoos (again, against all advice), and yet, these
flies seem to be reproducing on me.

To answer your questions - I haven't used perfume in 10 years for the
very reasons you state - Could be attracing them. Sad huh? It is
difficult to find shampoos without any fruit ingredients. I try my
best though. (Oh.. by the way, I just killed fly number 8.) This
problem has ruined my life. 10 years and I still don't have a
solution. I am afraid to get into a relationship for fear my problem
will be discovered. Oh, by the way, did I mention that whenever I walk
into a room where there are animals, the animals inevitably start to
scratch? Nice huh? I have two cats of my own. Neither have fleas nor
any other parasite (had them checked). Yet, whenever I enter the room,
they scratch.

Right now, I need to go to a colleagues desk for a meeting. I am so
afraid that another fly will appear. I can almost guarantee you that
it will.

Thank you so much for all the information links you provided. This is
the most information anyone has provided to me.

Well, I better dry my eyes and strengthen myself before my meeting.
I'm sure I will be embarrassed once again.

Thank you.

---

Clarification of Answer by byrd-ga on 18 Jul 2003 11:20 PDT

Dear Chelseamom,

Thank you very kindly for the good rating and most generous tip.  I do
have great sympathy for you in your struggle to identify and eliminate
this very distressing problem.  Please do let me reassure you that,
although I realize you yourself are highly aware of the flies, when
you enter a room, as in the upcoming meeting today for example, most
likely others are not quite so quick to associate the flies with you. 
For instance, if I were in a room with someone and I saw a fly, it
wouldn’t even occur to me that the fly came off that person, but
rather that it was annoying both of us, or was just there in the room.
 You’ve been sensitized to this over the long period of time you’ve
been dealing with it.  But try to take comfort in that it probably
does not cross the minds of most people to associate the flies with
you unless you point it out.

Be that as it may, it is still a very difficult problem for you. 
Since your question won’t expire for awhile yet, I’ll continue to
search on this topic as I can, and should I come up with any further
information I think might be of use to you, I’ll be sure to post it
here.  Also, please check your question from time to time in case
someone else has knowledge of this problem and might post a comment. 
You won’t be notified by email of a comment as you would of a
clarification.  Again, all my best to you along with my sincerest wish
that you may eventually put an end to this mysterious affliction.

Warmest regards,
--Byrd

---

Clarification of Answer by byrd-ga on 18 Jul 2003 15:21 PDT

Well Chelseamom, it sure seems that you’re going to have to do a bit
of research on your own to identify this critter, since you’re the one
most familiar with its appearance and can look at an actual specimen
while trying to make an identification.   Once you know what it is, of
course, you may then have more success in contacting either a doctor
or a major university extension department for advice on getting rid
of it.  Not all methods work with all insects, as I’m sure you know.

Okay, first of all you’ve said a mouthful when you said the fly has
two wings.  This alone probably narrows your search to the insect
order Diptera, or true flies, which all have two wings as opposed to
the four wings of most other flying insects.  Were you to have to
search every order of insect, you’d likely still be at it into the
next decade, if not the next century, so this narrows the field by
quite a bit.

However, according to this article by Richard M. Housman of the
University of Missour Department of Entymology, there are still more
than 100,000 species of flies that have been discovered and named to
date, which is certainly no small number to have to search through.  (
http://muextension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/pests/g07388.htm )

So, however you look at it, you’ve got a big job ahead to identify
these flies.  Since the University of Colorado, after seeing your
specimen, suggested it might be a type of fruit fly, it might be a
good idea for you to start with that family.  Yes of course, as you
said, you’ve already eliminated one type of fruit fly, the one with
the red eyes,  but there are more than 460 species within that family
(Ceratopogonida) so there may be others that don’t have the red eyes
or other characteristic that don’t fit your particular specimen.

For example, the dreaded “No-See-Ums” of the upper Midwest, with which
I have been all too unfortunately familiar (ouch!) in the past, are
another species in that family.  I typed in “Ceratopogonidae” in the
Google image search, which came back with three pages of images, here:
 http://images.google.com/images?q=Ceratopogonidae&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&btnG=Google+Search
 Perhaps you might begin by looking at these images to see if any
resemble ‘your’ flies.   Also, here’s the search return from a web
search using the same term: 
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=Ceratopogonidae&spell=1
 You’ll likely need to go through the list link by link to see any
illustrations they might contain.

If you rule out the fuit fly family entirely, you might then continue
with other families of flies.   Try using both Google web search and
image search.  Just copy and paste the names of the families.  Here
are some to get you started.

Black Flies = Simuliidae
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=Simuliidae&btnG=Google+Search
Phorid Flies (very tiny) = Phoridae
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=Phoridae&btnG=Google+Search
Fungus Gnat = Mycetophilidae 
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=Mycetophilidae

More information about fly families can be found on the U. of Missouri
website I gave you the link to above.  And here are a few more tools
to aid you in what will probably be a tedious and laborious
identifcation process, but one which hopefully will reward you with
success if you keep at it:

http://www.laters.com/insects/flies.htm
http://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/lso/entomol/NCSTATE/FLYKEY.HTM
http://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/lso/entomol/fungnat/fungnat.htm
http://www.paul.wetton.care4free.net/hover.html

Best regards,
--Byrd

Kind, helpful, and knowledgeable. Thank you.

There was recently a news story about flies living _in_ a person:

http://in.news.yahoo.com/030624/43/25eim.html

Not for the faint of heart!  His condition is known as myiasis.

Byrd - In looking at the sites your provided links to, I found a
picture of the fruit fly. The site say the fruit fly always has red
eyes. The fly I caught does not have red eyes. It's very tiny, black,
has wings that appear traslucent almost, and it is two winged.

Any thoughts as to what it might be?

And thank you for all your kindness and help.
Thanks

I HAVE THE SAME THING!!!  There are eggs/larvae?? which are reddish in
color, very sticky and caustic, exist almost everywhere, and are
present in my stool and mestrual flow.  The buggers are also on my
head under scabs (feels like Jell-O when touched) and they are also
coming out of my skin, between my teeth, and in my eyes.  There are
TONS of the flies around the house, esp. in the bathroom.  I feel that
I injected the eggs intravenously via the water supply (flies come out
of the overflow holes in the tub and sink) or they existed in the
cocaine (the flies love my spoons).  Cocaine is injected WITHOUT
cooking.

YOU ARE NOT NUTS!!  THANKS FOR POSTING!!

I have a couple of links for you...

Also, I too have little black flies coming off me.  I was at the bar
yesterday and my friend seated next to me swatted at one.  I also had
one fly out from underneath the do-rag I wear at all times now this
morning, and had one underneath my fingernail (must have picked it out
of my hair).  Always feel something moving on my scalp, which is
scabbed over with yucky egglike things underneath. Check these links
out please!!

http://www,morgellons.org
http://explorepub.com/articles/omar_10_2.html#top

Thanks!

I'm not an expert, but I believe this story, and have some thoughts
that may be of help. Could it be that the cats either had, have, or
are carriers of microsporum? Fungal infections are easily spread, and
are tenacious. The dermatophytes sometimes give off a very fruity
odour (among other things).  I think this can attract the fruit flies,
who may set up 'home' on the cat. Similarly, a fungal lesion can be
caught by the owner, who may have, e.g. an open sore, and who may
develop a dermatophyte infection, e.g. tinea capitas.  I wonder if
this can predispose to infestation with fruit flies. I think this is
more than possible, and identify with tender areas felt in scalp area.
I think it is great that you researchers gave such a comprehensive and
open minded answer to this query, as such suffering must be taken
seriously if it is to be helped.
Best wishes,
Lalla.

I have the same thing.  I've identified it as the phorid fly (looks
almost like a cross between a mosquito and a fruit fly).  This has
been making me miserable - just recently I've started smearing
vaseline on all areas of my skin, waiting 5 minutes, and repeatedly
the wiping the area - and they are coming out in droves.  The problem
is I don't know what to do about the ones in my scalp, nose, ears, and
believe it or not eyes.  I get alot of pink eye - usually after a
larva gets into my eye.  I've had this for 10 years and only recently
(last 2 weeks) have figured it out.  I went to an emergency room about
3 years ago w/ a fruit fly myiasis theory and was almost committed for
'delusional parasitosis'.  A couple of dermatologists later - I
modified the theory using demodex mites as the culprit.  I bought a
microscope to prove it - but could never get any good mite specimens. 
About a month ago I noticed rows of bumps on my scrotum that felt like
they had a razor stubble like hair in the center of each of them. 
Attempts to mess them them resulted in red rashes which really hurt. 
I put vaseline on them in an attempt to sooth the area - and lo and
behold the bastards started coming out.  I have identified a couple
different larvae, pupae, and eggs using my microscope - I again
thought they were fruit flys - but none of the literature made any
sense.  I knew they were small flies and I ran across references to
the phorid fly and how it infests dead bodies in morgues and
mausoleums.  I know that this is the culprit.  What do I need to do to
get confirmation of this (without getting committed)?

Anyone who is experiencing the same - please email me - we can help each other.

I think this problem is often compounded by a fungal scalp infection,
which is commonly caught from cats, or from fomites from their fur,
deposited on soft furnishings etc.
As I've said, dermatophytes often give off a fruity odour,
(particularly when dying), and this is attractive to the keen sense of
smell possessed by fruit flies.
Furthermore, some dermatophytes, (invisible to the naked eye), growing
rapidly and unchecked, branch into hyphae, then myceliae, both of
which are visible, looking like whiteish threads.  Minute pores are
propagated and dropped, increasing the infection. The resourceful
hyphae can change shape, e.g. appear 'fluffy', can 'sprout' hooks that
burrow painfully into the scalp, and can inject allergens into the
sufferer.
Painful furuncles, or furunculosis, can occur in the scalp, sometimes
resulting in secondary infection, and increasing the attractiveness to
egg-laying flies, (or other biting insects with the eggs already laid
on them). Larvae may opportunistically burrow into the ready made
furuncles, and scalp myiasis has begun.
When the larvae develop into flies, (and I'm not sure about the
process of this.  Is the next stage the pupae? If so, is this reached
after the larvae have emerged from their furuncle, and do these mature
into flies, possibly in a sticky substance in the hair?). Maybe those
of you with a scientific background would know.
I identify with those who have seen the mature flies fly off the hair,
often in response to stimuli, such as scratching, combing, or the
application of a substance such as vaseline, or alcohol based solution
or spray.
I believe that the maggots (larvae) obtain all of the nourishment,
from the host tissue, including any necrotic area within the small
furuncle, while the mature fly's role is simply to live a very short
time, and to lay eggs. (This may only be true of some species, I am
not an expert).
I am unsure if the pupae 'feed' or not, or if they excrete any waste
products. Although the mature flies may not be causing direct physical
harm to the host, I advise killing them lest they lay eggs, or breed
anywhere in the immediate environment. Any signs of infestation in the
house must be destroyed, and all bins etc. scrubbed daily with
dishwashing fluid, and rubbish secured and put outside immediately.
Fruit flies dislike the cold, so I advise keeping food in the freezer,
and keeping the fridge thoroughly clean and cold.
Permethrin or Malathion will kill mature flies on contact, and sprays
may treat soft furnishings, but excessive human absorption next to the
skin, e.g., can be toxic. Do not spray near uncovered food, and any
that has come into contact with flies should be discarded.
Fly larvae live in the fatty subcutaneous tissue, (particularly in a
furuncle, which they can 'burrow' into, or even make by themselves, by
using hooks at their front), for some time, as they feed and grow.
They have exterior spiny processes, so the movement of the creature is
painful to the victim. I believe that some species can live there for
weeks.
Sometimes the 'respiratory movements' of the maggot are observable in
the furuncle, or the saliva test can be done, entailing putting (your
own) saliva on the furuncular surface. If this then froths, the
presence of a maggot is indicated.
The exudate of a clear serous fluid may also be visible, although the
presence of pus indicates a possibly secondary, or alternative
diagnosis entirely, of infection, (also requiring treatment, in either
circumstance).
Some dermatologists will expertly excise the maggot surgically, but
great care must be taken so as not to break off parts of the creature,
as fragments can set up a foreign body or host immune response, (due
to allergenic substances released by the maggot when cut).
This condition is more common in places like Africa, but is now
apparently being seen in developed nations, such as North America and
elsewhere.
In Africa, it is understood that maggots depend on oxygen for
survival, so anecdotal reports abound on ways to block off their
breathing hole, visible on the furuncular surface.  People have
reported doing this by making a completely airtight seal for
approximately 12 hours, e.g. with chewing gum or vaseline.  The
hypoxia makes the creature come near the top of the breathing hole
making skilled removal easier, (care taken not to break the creature
into parts, for the reasons already mentioned). Sometimes, people in
Africa resort to placing fatty bacon (or similar) above the furuncle
to tempt the creature out, and the more skilled among them can
facilitate this process by very judicious squeezing when they spy the
head of the maggot emerging, as it looks for food. I think this
technique might be difficult to perfect, given the advisability of not
causing the aforementioned breakage of the creature, so total
smothering of it might be the better option.
I think, if the maggots die, they do not have to be removed, (but will
simply be reabsorbed), but antibiotics may be needed for any secondary
infection, and the wound may need expert cleaning, and the removal of
any other insect parts or debris, such as wings, legs etc.
A recent North American report talks about a hitherto unknown
phenomenon (in this jurisdiction), where well nourished patients had
such debris, and other insect life, including a live caterpillar in
one case, in scalp wounds. The presence of these foreign bodies caused
an immunological reaction, and the patients' conditions improved
dramatically in direct response to the debris being removed by the
dermatologist concerned, who is now alerting colleagues to this novel
development.  Interestingly, the patients all had a positive history
of preceding fungal infections, which he thinks may have attracted the
insects due to the smells given off by these.
Medical experts would be interested to see an excised maggot, (e.g. on
chewing gum, or bacon fat), so preserve larvae in a sealed container
filled with an alcoholic solution.
I am not sure how to kill any eggs or pupae on the hair, but daily
washing with alternating (e.g., medicated, then antifungal, then baby)
shampoos and conditioners would certainly help, as would the
laundering of segregated bed linen and towels extremely frequently
(after each contact with the scalp), in very hot water and biological
soap powder.
Clean all segregated combs and brushes, after each use, and also
daily, with bleach or strong detergents. Vacuum any brushed out debris
from the floor immediately, and empty bag or container, as fruit flies
can breed within the vacuum cleaner.
Bathe or shower daily, and use different towels for the body and the
scalp, and preferably consign these immediately to the boil wash,
perhaps along with your pillow slips and nightwear. Consider buying
cheapish items that you will discard after your programme of 'fighting
back' is over. Do not not wash your hair in the bath, as any
microorganisms that reside on your skin, such as streptococcus
faecalis from the anal region, or staphylococci from the skin or
nostrils may migrate to the scalp lesions, or the infestation or
infection may spread from the scalp to other areas.  You may be
scratching your scalp during sleep, so keep fingernails scrupiously
scrubbed and trim, certainly before you put them near your mouth, or
food. The last thing you want is to inadvertently swallow larvae, as
this may lead to vomiting and diarrhoea, at the very
least.  I am not suggesting anyone with this problem is dirty, but I
think that a full on attack on it is required.
I think that the pupae and larvae develop at different rates, so the
overall process might have to be repeated, depending on the severity
of the infestation.
Tinea capitas, (which, if present, must be treated with systemic
medication and the application of local antifungal treatment, and is
infectious to others), can extend to the eyebrows and eyelashes, and
both scalp and ophthalmic myiasis are recognised (albeit rare)
conditions.  I advise consulting a dermatologist and ophthalmologist.
The home environment must be thoroughly cleaned and vacuumed daily to
remove the fungus, and any pets effectively treated, (cats, e.g. can
be carriers of fungal infection, even if they display no obvious signs
of this).
I would restrict their movements, (e.g. to one room with no soft
furnishings or carpet, which I would clean daily with a bleach or
detergent solution), and certainly would not allow them near the beds
or any household linen.
The interesting thing is that cats with any wound, or simply with
matted fur, are very prone to 'fly strike' (myiasis), as are other
animals, such as sheep.  I do not know if susceptible humans (maybe
with a genetic predisposition to this condition) can fall victim to
this by virtue of being in the same environment.
I, too, in common with the professional researchers running this
helpful site, am not advising anyone to follow the steps I have
outlined as though this were any kind of medical diagnosis or
treatment.  However, I have gleaned a lot of this from material that I
have researched within the professional literature, so you may like to
give it some thought, and consider engaging in your own reading of
such sources.
I just feel very sorry for you all who are suffering from this
condition, especially if you have perhaps sought expert medical advice
and have not initially felt that you have been believed.
I sympathise particularly with Chelseamom, as she feels that her life
has been ruined, and that she cannot form a relationship.  I think,
because her infestation has apparently reached a 'steady state', and
has been going on for roughly ten years, that she possibly does not
realise just how run down and ill she really feels. Once she achieves
a total cure, (and she will if she is determined to do so, although
this will take a lot of time and repeated effort), she will be amazed
at just how well she feels. She may benefit from a vitamin supplement,
as sometimes maggots can 'compete' for some vitamins, but she should
check this out with a physician beforehand.
I certainly believe her about the myiasis, and strongly suspect a
concomitant tinea infection, partly because of animals scratching when
she goes near them, because research suggests that hyphae
'communicate' over short distances.
I hope that none of the above is offensive to anyone, as I am only
trying, albeit in an amateurish way, to offer some points that may be
of help to you. If you check the relevant sites, you will see that
this almost obsessive regimen of cleanliness is required to eradicate
both hyphae and fly infestation, and it is absolutely no reflection on
your previous standards of hygiene that you have fallen prey to this.
It is more likely due to your genetic predisposition, and perhaps to
the increased use of efficient pesticides within farm animals that has
led to humans now being the target of 'fly strike'!
Best wishes,
Lalla-ga