Necrotizing fasciitis is an infection of soft tissue that can damage the tissue in your skin and muscles as well as subcutaneous tissue, which is the tissue underneath the skin. This condition is caused by an infection with group A streptococcus, which is known as “flesh-eating bacteria”. This is considered the fastest spreading infection. However, if the infection is caused by other types of bacteria, it doesn’t progress as rapidly and it isn’t dangerous. Though this bacterial skin infection rarely affects healthy individuals, it is possible to get this infection even from a tiny cut, hence it’s essential to be aware of the symptoms if you are at risk.
Consult your doctor immediately if you have symptoms or suspect that you may have developed the infection. Because the condition can progress rapidly and it’s important to treat it as early as possible.
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Symptoms
The initial symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis may not be very severe. Your skin may become warm, red and feel as if you have a muscle strain. Sometimes you may feel like having the flu. You may also develop an aching, red bump that is very small, but the red bump doesn’t stay small. The pain will become very intense, and the affected region will expand quickly.
There may be fluid oozing from the infected area, and it may become discoloured as the skin deteriorates. Blisters, bumps, black spots, or other skin lesions may also be seen. In the initial stages of the infection, the pain will be very bad.
Other symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Fever with chills and sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Decreased urination
Causes
The main cause of getting this infection is the presence of bacteria in the body. This usually happens, when the skin is broken or injured. For instance, the bacteria can enter the body via a cut, scrape, or surgical wound. Moreover, these injuries need not be very large for the bacteria to invade, even as small as a needle puncture can be sufficient.
There are different types of bacteria that can cause necrotizing fasciitis. The most common type is group A streptococcus. Other types of bacteria that can cause this skin infection include:
- Aeromonas hydrophila
- Clostridium
- coli
- Klebsiella
- Staphylococcus aureus
Risk Factors
A person can develop necrotizing fasciitis even if their health condition is good, but this is very rare. Those with pre-existing health conditions that weakens their immune system like cancer, diabetes is at higher risk. Other risk factors include:
- People with chronic heart or lung disease
- Using steroids
- Skin lesions
- Alcohol or drug abuse
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will complete examine your skin and suggest several tests to diagnose necrotizing fasciitis. A skin biopsy is also done, where a small sample of the affected skin tissue is examined. Further, certain blood works may help to disclose if the muscles are damaged, and CT or MRI imaging tests are also done to confirm the diagnosis.
Also Read: Skin Biopsy: Procedure, Risks And Results
Treatment
Your doctor will recommend strong antibiotics to combat bacteria, and these are injected directly into your veins. If the tissues are decayed, then antibiotics may not be helpful to treat the condition. In such cases, the doctors will remove any dead tissues immediately. In very severe cases of necrotizing fasciitis infection the doctor may amputate one or more limbs to prevent the spread of the infection.
Prevention:
Well, there’s no effective way to avert a necrotizing fasciitis infection. However, you can lower the risk with good hygienic practices, which include washing your hands as often with soap and water and treating any wounds immediately, even if it is a minor.
If you have any existing wound or infection, then it is important to manage it well with proper medical treatment. Change the dressing regularly or when it becomes dirty or wet. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises those with skin infections to avoid places like hot tubs, whirlpools, and swimming pools.
If you observe any of these symptoms and suspect that you may have necrotizing fasciitis, then consult your doctor immediately, as treating the infection early can avert complications.
