Necrotizing Fasciitis
Necrotizing Fasciitis Causes
The most common cause of necrotizing fasciitis is the Group A Streptococcus also known as Streptococcus pyogenes; however there are still other types of bacteria that cause the disease.
Necrotizing Fasciitis Definition
Necrotizing fasciitis also known as fasciitis necroticans is a rare infection of the deeper skin layers and subcutaneous tissues spreading in the superficial and deep fascia enough to produce thrombosis of the subcutaneous vessels and eventually gangrene in the underlying tissues. This medical condition is commonly known as ?flesh-eating bacteria?.
Necrotizing Fasciitis Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Necrotizing fasciitis is confirmed by either blood cultures or aspiration of pus from tissue.
Necrotizing Fasciitis Symptoms and Signs
The infection starts at the site of injury or trauma, the site will feel very painful but no significant change in appearance. After a few hours, tissue becomes swollen. As the disease progresses, the following manifestations become visible: * Diarrhea * Vomiting * If the bacteria is not deep; redness, swollen, and itchy skin starts to show. If the bacteria are deep, signs of inflammation do not tend to appear at once. * Skin color on the site of infection becomes violet. * Blisters will then form with necrosis or death of subcutaneous tissue following later on. * Fever
Necrotizing Fasciitis Treatment
Initial treatment through antibiotics administered intravenously including penicillin, clindamycin and vancomycin. After diagnosis is confirmed surgical exploration is compulsory, wherein removal of dead tissues is performed (debridement). For massive wounds and tissue destruction, hyperbaric oxygen treatment can also be an adjunctive therapy.