Necrotizing fasciitis (life-threatening infection)

Description A rare and life thr...

Description

A rare and life threatening bacterial infection that involves the skin and the soft tissues beneath it. The infection rapidly spreads along fascial planes, destroying the fat and muscles. At first, it can look like a common skin infection called cellulitis, making an early diagnosis difficult. Because of the extensive damage produced, the bacteria responsible for the infection are sometimes referred to as "flesh-eating" bacteria.

Symptoms

May start as a red area on the skin, sometimes following an injury or puncture wound. Pain is often greater than what is expected, compared to how the skin looks. Redness and swelling may spread very rapidly. Other symptoms include: general ill feeling, fever, sweating, chills, nausea, dizziness, profound weakness, weak pulse.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A biopsy of the involved tissue may be done to identify the disorder and isolate the bacteria causing the infection. A CT scan or MRI may be done to identify the extent of the disease. Blood cultures can also be used to identify the offending organism.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray

Other Specific Tests: Biopsy, Cultures of tissue and blood

Specialists:
General Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine

Treatment

Therapy must not be delayed to prevent permanent injury and death. Intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics must be given immediately. Surgery is required to open and drain infected areas and remove dead tissue. At times amputation is necessary. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be administered. Skin grafts may be needed after the infection goes away.