10 Necrotizing Fasciitis Symptoms

By lio

Reviewed: dr. stavarache

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Necrotising Fasciitis.' Nhs.uk, 19 Oct. 2017, www.nhs.uk/conditions/necrotising-fasciitis/
• 2. 'Necrotizing Fasciitis.' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 31 Dec. 2019, www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/necrotizing-fasciitis.html
• 3. 'Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.' MedlinePlus - Health Information from the National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001443.htm
• 4. North Dakota Department of Health | Department of Health, www.ndhealth.gov/Disease/Documents/faqs/Necrotizing/Fasciitis.pdf
• 5. 'Type II Necrotizing Fasciitis.' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 May 2020, www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-hcp/necrotizing-fasciitis.html

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Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare and serious bacterial infection. It releases a toxin that damages nearby areas and can spread rapidly, causing lifelong health complications.¹‘Necrotising Fasciitis.’ Nhs.uk, 19 Oct. 2017, www.nhs.uk/conditions/necrotising-fasciitis/ Often the bacteria enter through a wound, and symptoms may initially seem minor. Necrotizing fasciitis is associated with group A streptococcus (GAS) bacteria, which also causes strep throat. But, several types of bacteria, such as staphylococcus and others, have also been linked to the disease.²‘Necrotizing Fasciitis.’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 31 Dec. 2019, www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/necrotizing-fasciitis.html

Untreated necrotizing fasciitis is often fatal. Every year, between 600 and 700 cases are diagnosed in the U.S. About 25 to 30 percent of those cases result in death.⁴North Dakota Department of Health | Department of Health, www.ndhealth.gov/Disease/Documents/faqs/Necrotizing/Fasciitis.pdf

A Small But Painful Scratch

Necrotizing fasciitis isn't generally contagious. Cases are often random and unconnected with each other. Bacteria commonly enter through a scrape, burn, cut or insect bite. People can also develop this infection getting a bruise or undergoing a surgical procedure.⁴North Dakota Department of Health | Department of Health, www.ndhealth.gov/Disease/Documents/faqs/Necrotizing/Fasciitis.pdf

Even a small injury can become infected, so proper wound care is essential. Frequent handwashing, cleaning wounds with running water and covering them with sterile bandages may help prevent infection. A person with an injury should keep track of its appearance. If the wound isn't healing properly or further symptoms appear, they should see a doctor.¹‘Necrotising Fasciitis.’ Nhs.uk, 19 Oct. 2017, www.nhs.uk/conditions/necrotising-fasciitis/