?What is necrotizing fasciitis
Necrotizing fasciitis is a flesh-eating bacteria that is a rare infection of the skin and underlying tissues. It can be fatal if not treated quickly.
?What are the causes of bacterial necrotizing fasciitis and what are the risk factors
Necrotizing fasciitis is usually caused by group A streptococcus (GAS) bacteria. This is the same type of bacteria that causes strep throat.
The bacteria that cause necrotizing fasciitis can enter the body through:
Wounds due to surgeries
injuries
burns
Minor wounds
Insect bites
Once the infection spreads, it quickly destroys muscles, skin, and fatty tissue, weakens the immune system, and increases the chances of contracting some bacterial diseases.
?What health conditions may increase the risk of developing necrotizing fasciitis
Alcoholism
cancer
Smallpox
cirrhosis
diabetes
Heart diseases affecting the heart valves
Chronic renal failure
Lung diseases, including tuberculosis
Peripheral vascular disease
steroid use
Use of injectable or intravenous medications
What are the symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis?
Early symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis infection usually appear within the first 24 hours of infection. Symptoms are similar to other conditions such as the flu or a skin infection and include:
severe pain
Fever
nausea
Symptoms often include a combination of the following:
Increased pain in the general area from a minor cut, scrape, or other skin opening.
Erosion in the wound.
Redness and warmth around the wound.
Flu-like symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea, fever, dizziness, weakness and general malaise.
Extreme thirst due to dehydration.
More advanced symptoms occur around the painful injury site within 3 to 4 days of infection. These include:
Swelling accompanied by a purple rash.
Large, purple marks that turn into blisters filled with a dark, foul-smelling fluid
gangrene.
A sharp drop in blood pressure
Unconsciousness
Necrotizing fasciitis bacteria affects the body quickly, making early diagnosis important for survival. Infection with this bacteria is a medical emergency.
?What is the treatment for streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis
Patients with bacterial necrotizing fasciitis undergo several types of treatment. The extent of treatment depends on the stage of the disease when treatment is started. Treatment includes:
Intravenous antibiotic treatment.
Surgery to remove damaged or dead tissue in order to prevent the spread of infection.
Medicines to raise blood pressure.
Amputation of affected limbs in some cases.
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