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Overview
Most common in wounds.
Removal is needed.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todaySomething moving in a wound.
See a doctor soonGet seen today instead; don't wait for a regular appointment.
Causes
Caused by fly larvae.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause maggots or something moving in a wound or under the skin. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Maggots in a wound (myiasis)Often needs care today
Fly larvae growing in a wound or under the skin, sometimes after travel to tropical areas.
What you can do at home
- Cover the wound.
Medicines
Removal and wound care.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Travel
The exam
A wound exam.
Tests
- None
Prevention
Wound care.
- Keep wounds covered
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.