Necrotizing fasciitis, also called necrotizing fasciitis, is a serious and rare bacterial infection, in which there is inflammation and a lot of tissue under the skin and opens muscles, nerves and blood vessels, called fascia. This infection is mainly caused by Streptococcus type A bacteria, but often due to Streptococcus pyogenes.
Bacteria can spread rapidly, causing rapidly evolving symptoms, such as fever, a reddish, congested region that will become ulcers and obscure the region; for this reason, in addition to being in the presence of anyone else who indicates necrotizing fasciitis, it is important to go to the hospital to start treatment and, in this way, avoid complications.
- Bacteria could enter the body through the openings of the lungs.
- Which could occur as a result of injections.
- Intravenous drug use.
- Burns and cuts; from the moment the bacteria reaches the body.
- It spreads rapidly and causes the appearance of symptoms that progress.
- Quickly.
- And the main ones are:.
The evolution of symptoms indicates that bacteria multiply and cause necrosis, which is the cause of the disease; that’s why it’s imperative to see your doctor if you notice any signs.
Although group A strep is found naturally in the body, necrotizing fasciitis does not present in everyone; this infection is most common in people with diabetes, chronic or malignant diseases, over the age of 60, obesity, immunosuppressive use or vascular diseases. .
Complications of necrotizing fasciitis occur when the infection is not identified early. Late diagnosis could lead to sepsis and multiorgan dysfunction, resulting in body dysfunction where the bacteria developed.
In addition, due to tissue change, it may also be necessary to remove the affected limb, to prevent the spread of bacteria and the appearance of other infections.
Diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis is made by observing the signs and symptoms presented by the person, in addition to the results of laboratory tests; Normally, if blood and imaging tests are required to look at the affected area, in addition to tissue biopsy, it is important to identify the presence of bacteria in the area. See how the biopsy is performed.
Although antibiotic treatment should begin to result from laboratory tests, in case of necrotizing fasciitis, treatment should begin earlier due to the severe and rapid course of the disease.
Treatment of necrotizing fasciitis should be performed in the hospital, recommending hospitalization in isolation for a few weeks so that there is no risk of transmission of the bacteria to others.
Treatment is done with intravenous antibiotics to fight the infection, however, when the infection is more advanced and there are signs of necrosis, your doctor may want to perform surgery to remove the infection and the thus fight the infection.