Necrotizing Fasciitis – A common bacterial skin infection
Necrotizing Fasciitis is also known as the flesh eating bacterial skin infection. It is commonly seen due to bacterial infection of staphylococcus and streptococcus. Some other bacteria involved in this infection include E.coli, Clostridium, Klebsiella etc.
This type of bacterial skin infection leads to necrosis and death of the affected tissue and is sudden in onset and severely progressive in nature. It requires immediate attention and can lead to fatal conditions or may produce conditions that lead to amputation of the limbs if left untreated.
Signs And Symptoms Of Necrotizing Fasciitis
- History of trauma or any bacterial infection in wild or in the closed environment.
- Intense pain
- Inflammation of the affected area
- Fever mostly high grade is recorded
- Tachycardia or increased heart rate is noted
- Abnormal respiratory sounds can be heard known as crepitus
- Skin color progressively changes to violet and blister formation occurs
- The temperature of the affected area is mostly raised.
- Debridement of skin – Surgical removal of the damaged skin is done to prevent bacteria from progressively involving the other normal tissue and skin.
- Use high potency anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal topical lotion such as Microsan® RX Lotion.
- Amputation or removal of the damaged limb may be considered in case of irreversible damage.
Skin grafting is done once the debridement completes
