Necrotizing Faciitis
Flesh-eating disease is the common name for necrotizing fasciitis. Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare bacterial infection that can destroy skin and the soft tissues beneath it, including fat and the tissue covering the muscles. Because these tissues often die rapidly, a person with necrotizing fasciitis is sometimes said to be infected with "flesh-eating" bacteria, especially Streptococcus pyogenes. Flesh-eating disease can be caused by a number of different bacteria, including group A streptococcus.GAS is a very common bacteria. Many people carry it in the throat or on their skin without getting sick.GAS will cause serious illnesses, including pneumonia, meningitis, blood poisoning (bacteremia), streptococcal toxic-shock syndrome and flesh-eating disease.Necrotizing fasciitis is very rare but serious. Around 30% of those who develop necrotizing fasciitis die from the disease. Many people who get necrotizing fasciitis are in good health prior to the infection. Those at increased risk of developing the infection are people. Most people will not get necrotizing fasciitis. You generally do not have to worry about getting the disease, because the bacteria that cause the disease usually do not cause infection unless they enter the body through a cut or other break in the skin. If you have been in close personal contact with someone who develops necrotizing fasciitis.
Scientists do not know exactly why group A streptococcus causes only minor infections for some people, but poses a serious threat to others. Necrotizing fasciitis is a progressive, rapidly spreading, inflammatory infection located in the deep fascia, with secondary necrosis of the subcutaneous tissues.Because of the presence of gas-forming organisms, subcutaneous air is classically described in necrotizing fasciitis. This may be seen only on radiographs or not at all. The speed of spread is directly proportional to the thickness of the subcutaneous layer. Necrotizing fasciitis moves along the deep fascial plane. These infections can be difficult to recognize in their early stages, but they rapidly progress. They require aggressive treatment to combat the associated high morbidity and mortality.
Causes of Necrotizing Faciitis
Common causes of Necrotizing Faciitis
- Strep throat.
- Impetigo.
- Cirrhosis.
- Streptococcus Bacteria.
- Blood poisoning.
Symptoms of Necrotizing Faciitis
Common symptoms of Necrotizing Faciitis
- Pain.
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Organ failure.
- Swelling.
Treatment of Necrotizing Faciitis
Common Treatment of Necrotizing Faciitis
- Flesh-eating disease progresses so rapidly, treatment usually involves surgery to remove the infected tissue.
- Antibiotic medicine Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins to help reduce your chances of getting an infection.
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