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What is Necrotizing Fasciitis aka “Flesh-eating disease”?

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It is a serious bacterial infection that destroys tissue underneath the skin. It is rare and spreads quickly in the body and can cause death.

Necrotizing fasciitis can lead to sepsis, shock, and organ failure. It can also result in life-long complications from loss of limbs or severe scarring due to surgically removing infected tissue.

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What kind of doctor do I need to visit about this condition?

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Critical Care Doctor

Pathologist

General Surgeon

Infectious Disease Doctor

Plastic Surgeon

And many more

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Is this a new disease?

No. The flesh-eating infections have been described as early as the fifth century B.C. based on written accounts of necrotizing fasciitis by Hippocrates. More than 2,000 cases of this condition were reported among soldiers during the Civil War. Cases in the U.S. are generally infrequent.

Where is necrotizing fasciitis most commonly found?
The most common body sites where necrotizing fasciitis tends to occur are the extremities (arms, hands, feet and legs). However, necrotizing fasciitis can also occur in the head, neck and groin regions depending on the circumstances and risk factors.

How long does necrotizing fasciitis take to show symptoms?
It can develop within a few hours, and is difficult to diagnose, especially early on when patients may have vague symptoms, such as pain or soreness at the injury site.

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Necrotizing fasciitis is commonly caused by group A streptococcus (GAS) bacteria. That is the same type of bacteria that causes strep throat. In addition to, several types of bacteria, such as staphylococcus and others, have also been linked to the disease.

Necrotizing fasciitis happens when these types of bacteria infect the superficial fascia, a layer of connective tissue below the skin.

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Individuals with a weakened immune system due to cancer, diabetes, etc, can be at greater risk of developing this condition. You can develop this even if you’re perfectly healthy, but it is rare.

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Intravenous antibiotic therapy

Surgery to remove damaged or dead tissue in order to stop the spread of infection

Medications to raise blood pressure

Amputations of affected limbs, in some cases

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be recommended to preserve healthy tissue

Cardiac monitoring and breathing aids

Blood transfusions

Intravenous immunoglobulin. This supports the body's ability to fight infection

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There are both early and late symptoms for Necrotizing Fasciitis.

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Early symptoms can include:

A red, warm, or swollen area of skin that spreads quickly

Severe pain, including pain beyond the area of the skin that is red, warm, or swollen

Fever

Later symptoms can include:

Ulcers, blisters, or black spots on the skin

Changes in the color of the skin

Pus or oozing from the infected area

Dizziness

Fatigue (tiredness)

Diarrhea or nausea

You are to see a doctor right away if you have symptoms like these, especially after an injury or surgery.

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Although there is no vaccine currently available to prevent necrotizing fasciitis, infection prevention efforts should include washing minor cuts with soap and running water. Keeping the area clean, and watch for signs that may suggest the spread of the infection, such as pain, swelling, warmth, or pus.

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Necrotizing means causing the death of tissues. Fasciitis means inflammation of the fascia (the tissue under the skin that surrounds muscles, nerves, fat, and blood vessels).