Have you heard about Necrotizing fasciitis? Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare bacterial infection that destroys skin and soft tissues. This disease is often referred to the "flesh-eating" bacteria because the tissues often die rapidly. This disease is rare, but very serious as 30% of those people who develop the disease die from it. Most people who get this disease are usually in good health. However, those who have an increased risk of contracting the disease include those: who have a weakened immune system or chronic health problems; those who have had chickenpox or other viral infections or who use steroid machines; and those who have cuts including surgical wounds from operations. People can get this condition while in a hospital after treatment. More about hospital negligence.
Necrotizing fasciitis is caused by several bacteria, but the most common cause is infection by a group A strep bacteria. Most often, the infections caused by these bacteria are mild, but in some cases they can damage the soft tissue below the skin, leading to a more dangerous, faster-spreading infection. Another type of this disease may be caused by multiple bacteria found in the intestine. Gunshot injuries, intestinal surgery, or tumors in the lower digestive tract are also cases where necrotizing fasciitis may develop. Necrotizing fasciitis caused by Group A strep can be passed from person to person, but is usually not serious unless that person has an open wound or an impaired immune system.
Symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Most often, a person may appear to be getting better from an injury and then suddenly gets worse. The skin may then become red, swollen, and hot to touch. This infection may spread rapidly and can quickly become life-threatening, leading to organ failure or death. Doctors can diagnose necrotizing fasciitis because of how fast the symptoms appear and how quickly the disease is spreading. Immediate medical care is necessary to stop the spread of the infection. Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria and some people will require surgery. To help prevent infection, people should practice good hand washing habits and always keep open wounds clean
Necrotizing fasciitis is caused by several bacteria, but the most common cause is infection by a group A strep bacteria. Most often, the infections caused by these bacteria are mild, but in some cases they can damage the soft tissue below the skin, leading to a more dangerous, faster-spreading infection. Another type of this disease may be caused by multiple bacteria found in the intestine. Gunshot injuries, intestinal surgery, or tumors in the lower digestive tract are also cases where necrotizing fasciitis may develop. Necrotizing fasciitis caused by Group A strep can be passed from person to person, but is usually not serious unless that person has an open wound or an impaired immune system.
Symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Most often, a person may appear to be getting better from an injury and then suddenly gets worse. The skin may then become red, swollen, and hot to touch. This infection may spread rapidly and can quickly become life-threatening, leading to organ failure or death. Doctors can diagnose necrotizing fasciitis because of how fast the symptoms appear and how quickly the disease is spreading. Immediate medical care is necessary to stop the spread of the infection. Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria and some people will require surgery. To help prevent infection, people should practice good hand washing habits and always keep open wounds clean
