Necrotizing fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis also known as the "flesh-eating disease", is a rare and life-threatening infection that can happen if a wound gets infected. It needs to be treated in hospital away.[1]

Necrotizing fasciitis
Other namesFlesh-eating bacteria, flesh-eating bacteria syndrome,[2] necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI),[3] fasciitis necroticans
Person with necrotizing fasciitis. The left leg shows extensive redness and tissue death.
Pronunciation
  • /ˈnɛkrəˌtaɪzɪŋ ˌfæʃiˈaɪtɪs/ or /ˌfæs-/
Medical specialtyInfectious disease
SymptomsSevere pain, fever, purple colored skin in the affected area[4]
Usual onsetSudden, spreads rapidly[4]
CausesMultiple types of bacteria,[5] occasional fungus[6]
Risk factorsPoor immune function such as from diabetes or cancer, obesity, alcoholism, intravenous drug use, peripheral artery disease[3][4]
Diagnostic methodBased on symptoms, medical imaging[5]
Differential diagnosisCellulitis, pyomyositis, gas gangrene[7]
PreventionWound care, handwashing[4]
TreatmentSurgery to remove the infected tissue, intravenous antibiotics[3][4]
Prognosis~30% mortality[3]
Frequency0.7 per 100,000 per year[5]


The problem is treated very quickly under antibiotics. In more severe cases the area affected may need major surgery or amputation. Many people with the condition may also have other issues, such as diabetes. The condition is caused by bacteria.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of necrotising fasciitis can develop quickly within hours or over a few days.

At first there may be:[1]

Later symptoms can include:[1]

Necrotising fasciitis is very rare. The symptoms are similar to more common skin infections like cellulitis.

Causes

Necrotising fasciitis is an infection that can happen after getting a wound. It causes damage to the deep layers of the skin. The infection may get into the body through:[1]

People with diabetes or a weakened immune system may be more at risk of developing necrotising fasciitis.

Treatments

It must be treated in hospital as soon as possible. Treatment will usually include:[1]

  • antibiotics
  • surgery to remove tissue in the affected area

Even after successful treatment, there may be long-term changes in the bodies appearance and how it can move or be used at the affected part of the body. Sometimes amputation of affected limbs is needed.

There may be a need for further surgery and physiotherapy to help with recovery.

References
  1. "Necrotising fasciitis". nhs.uk. 2017-10-19. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  2. Rakel, David; Rakel, Robert E. (2015). Textbook of Family Medicine. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 193. ISBN 9780323313087. Archived from the original on 2017-09-08.
  6. Ralston, Stuart H.; Penman, Ian D.; Strachan, Mark W. J.; Hobson, Richard (2018). Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 227. ISBN 9780702070266.
  7. Ferri, Fred F. (2013). Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2014 E-Book: 5 Books in 1 . Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 767. ISBN 978-0323084314.


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