What Is Necrotising Fasciitis?

Necrotizing fasciitis sounds scary -- and it is. Better known in the media as the notorious "flesh-eating bacteria," the disease is very serious and often fatal but, fortunately, very rare. So don't worry about developing the disease when you get a paper cut or if you scrape your knee. There are some warning signs of necrotizing fasciitis that you can look out for though, as early treatment is critical to successfully overcoming this disease.

Identification

• Necrotizing fasciitis is a serious bacterial infection. It affects the skin, the tissues beneath the skin, and the tissue that covers the muscles. This muscle-covering tissue is called "fascia" -- hence the name. If the infection spreads to the muscles, it is called necrotizing myositis. Necrotizing fasciitis is popularly known as "flesh-eating bacteria" because the bacteria destroy tissue so rapidly that they seem to "eat" it away.

Causes

• Necrotizing fasciitis is caused by certain types of bacteria, often group A strep bacteri. This is the type of bacteria that normally produces annoying but mild infections such as strep throat. In some cases though, the bacteria produce toxins that destroy tissue and provoke a more serious infection. Necrotizing fasciitis can also be caused by bacteria in shellfish and by bacteria in the gut. Since the bacteria can travel through the bloodstream, the dying skin may appear in an area totally different than where the bacteria originated.

Risks

• Anyone can develop necrotizing fasciitis. All it takes is direct contact with a bacterium that causes the condition -- once the bacteria is in the body, it can go on the attack. However, people who are most at risk of developing necrotizing fasciitis include people with weakened immune systems, whether because of a chronic health problem or because of immunity-weakening medication they're taking, such as steroids. Recent illnesses can also raise the level of risk, especially ailments that cause rashes as the sores could allow bacteria a way into the body. People who have just undergone surgery are also at risk since they have an open incision.

Symptoms

• Necrotizing fasciitis progresses rapidly. Early symptoms of the disease are mild, and resemble the flu -- like nausea, fever and dizziness. The patient may become thirsty from dehydration. The cut or incision becomes painful as well. As necrotizing fasciitis progresses, the infected area swells and develops a purplish rash. Blisters appear full of a dark liquid. Eventually the flesh turns black and dies. In four or five days, the patient will go into toxic shock and fall unconscious.

Treatment

• Necrotizing fasciitis is quite a dangerous disease, with a quarter of its victims dying from the infection. The sooner necrotizing fasciitis is treated, the more likely the patient is to recover. Treatment involves high doses of antibiotics and surgical removal of the dead skin. If the infection is on a limb, the limb may have to be amputated. After recovery, skin grafts and plastic surgery may be needed to repair the patient's appearance.

Prevention/Signs

• The usual steps to take to keep yourself healthy -- thoroughly washing your hands and washing out cuts and scrapes -- can protect you from necrotizing fasciitis. If you have a wound and signs of infection appear -- like pain, redness, pus, or swelling -- or if you develop a fever over 38 degrees C without any other obvious reason for the fever, see your doctor immediately. Sprains and strains can also become deep-tissue infections with symptoms like fever, chills, and pain in the area. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen for infection pain since these pain relievers can allow the infection to spread.