Necrotizing Fasciitis

What is necrotizing fasciitis?

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is more commonly known as flesh-eating disease because of its ability to travel through human tissue quickly and, in some cases, cause death within 18 hours. The bacteria that causes NF is hemolytic group A streptococcus (GAS). An individual will first contract a GAS infection, which may then lead to NF, although this rarely occurs. 

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include an infection around a cut or bruise which is sorer than it normally would be for the type of injury, as well as a high fever. The infection surrounding the cut or bruise may have spread up the affected arm or leg and to other areas of the body. 

How does it spread?

Group A streptococcus bacteria is highly contagious and is spread by direct contact with secretions from the nose and throat of an infected person or direct contact with secretions from infected sores on the skin. Casual contact rarely results in infection. It can be spread from the onset of the symptoms until 24 hours after the start of treatment. If left untreated it can be spread for 10 to 21 days.             

What is the treatment?

Antibiotics are used although they cannot treat the infection on their own. Antibiotics work by traveling through the body by blood to the affected areas.  Necrotizing fasciitis cuts off the blood supply to the body’s tissues, which prevents the antibiotics from treating the infection on its own. Surgery may be required to help treat the infection. 

How can necrotizing fasciitis be prevented?

There is no vaccine for group A streptococcal infections. Good hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing, proper disposal of soiled tissues and thorough cleansing of wounds and cuts, are important. NF is a severe form of GAS and seeking medical attention as soon as symptoms appear is important.