Necrotizing fasciitis is a serious and rare bacterial infection that causes inflammation and death of the tissue beneath the skin. This tissue is called fascia, and it surrounds the muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
This infection is mainly caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, especially Streptococcus pyogenes. The bacteria can spread quickly and cause symptoms that worsen rapidly.
Symptoms may include fever and a red, swollen area of skin that can progress to ulcers and darkening of the affected area. Therefore, if any signs of necrotizing fasciitis appear, it is important to go to the hospital right away so that antibiotic treatment can be started and complications, such as sepsis and organ failure, can be prevented.
Symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis
The main symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis are:
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Appearance of a red or swollen area on the skin that gets larger over time;
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Severe pain in the red and swollen area, which may also be felt in other parts of the body;
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Fever;
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Development of ulcers and blisters;
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Darkening of the affected area;
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Diarrhea;
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Nausea;
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Pus in the wound.
The progression of signs and symptoms indicates that the bacteria are multiplying and causing tissue death, known as necrosis. Therefore, if any sign that may indicate necrotizing fasciitis is noticed, it is important to go to the hospital so the diagnosis can be made and treatment can be started.
Confirming a diagnosis
Necrotizing fasciitis is diagnosed by evaluating the person’s signs and symptoms, along with the results of laboratory tests. Blood tests and imaging tests are usually ordered to assess the affected area, as well as a tissue biopsy, which is important for identifying the presence of bacteria at the site.
Although antibiotic treatment is usually recommended after additional test results are available, in cases of necrotizing fasciitis, treatment should be started as soon as possible due to the serious and rapid progression of the disease.
How transmission occurs
The bacteria can enter the body through openings in the skin. The main routes of entry are:
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Injection;
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Use of drugs injected into a vein;
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Burns;
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Cuts in the skin.
Once the bacteria enter the body and spread, they cause local inflammation and release toxins that damage the skin and tissues, leading to symptoms.
Risk factors
The bacteria responsible for necrotizing fasciitis may be found naturally in the body, but not everyone develops the disease. This is because the body is usually able to fight the excess growth of this bacteria and the toxins it produces.
Therefore, this type of infection is more common in people who have diabetes, are over 60 years old, have obesity, have malignant conditions, have vascular disease, or use immunosuppressive drugs.
Possible complications
Complications of necrotizing fasciitis can occur when the infection is not identified and treated with antibiotics. These complications may include sepsis and organ failure, as the bacteria can reach other organs and grow there.
In addition, because the infection causes tissue death, it may be necessary to remove the affected limb to prevent the bacteria from spreading and to reduce the risk of other infections.
Treatment options
Treatment for necrotizing fasciitis should be done in the hospital. It is recommended that the person remain in isolation for a few weeks so there is no risk of transmitting the bacteria to other people.
Treatment involves intravenous antibiotics, given through a vein, to fight the infection. However, when the infection is more advanced and there are signs of necrosis, surgery may be recommended to remove the affected tissue and help control the infection.