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Necrotizing Fasciitis Effects

Necrotizing fasciitis, more commonly known as a flesh-eating bacterial infection, is an antibiotic-resistant infection caused by certain types of bacteria. Necrotizing fasciitis is difficult to treat effectively and, in many cases, can be fatal. Once the infection begins, the condition progresses rapidly through three distinct phases, each causing certain detrimental effects in the infected individual.

  1. Definition

    • Necrotizing fasciitis can be caused by either one microbe alone or a combination of microbes. The most common include Group A streptococcus and MRSA, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The infection's name describes its effect on an infected individual--"necrotizing" means the death of otherwise healthy, living tissue, while "fasciitis" refers to the layer of subcutaneous tissues that the infection destroys.

    Aspects

    • Necrotizing fasciitis is contracted when any of the infection-causing bacteria enter the body through a cut, abrasion or hole in the skin. These entrance points can be as small as a needle prick or as large as a surgical incision. Once inside the body, the bacteria release toxins that destroy all surrounding muscle and skin tissue. The only effective treatment is aggressive and prompt removal of all the affected tissue in order to prevent the spread of the infection.

    Initial Effects

    • The initial effects of necrotizing fasciitis occur within 24 hours of the bacteria entering the body. The individual will begin to feel ill and will experience weakness, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea and possible fever. The persistent vomiting often results in dehydration. The general area of the infection's initial entrance to the body will become tender and sore.

    Progressive Effects

    • After 36 to 48 hours, the site where the bacteria first entered will begin to swell and may turn a dark purple color. Blisters full of dark fluid may appear, as well as a rash. As the condition progresses, this area will turn blue-white.

    Final Effects

    • As the infection progresses throughout the body, the effect of necrotizing fasciitis becomes increasingly severe. The individual may go into systemic shock as the body's systems are overwhelmed by the amount of toxins given off by the invading bacteria. The blood pressure will drop to dangerous levels and the person may become unconscious.

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