Necrotizing fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis is a subcutaneous infection, leading to necrosis of the subcutaneous tissue, including fascia (membranes covering the muscles). Necrotizing fasciitis develops on any parts of the body, but most often affects the limb, abdominal region and perineum. Depending on the types of bacteria causing the disease, necrotizing fasciitis can lead to toxic shock with a high probability of death or leave irreversible effects in the patient's body, associated with necrotic disintegration of the skin layers and the formation of fibrin clots in the vessels. Doctors often have to make a decision about amputation of the affected limb of the patient.

Causes of necrotic fasciitis

The immediate cause of the disease is spreading to the subcutaneous tissue of aerobic, anaerobic bacteria and streptococci from a nearby wound, an ulcer, or infection through blood flow. Necrotic infection can develop:

• as a result of a trauma (cut, bruise, open skin wound);
• because of the penetration of the infection through the formation on the skin (cracks, erosion);
• after surgical intervention.

There are data on the occurrence of fasciitis after an insect bite.

Symptoms of fasciitis

The very first sign is intense pain. However, in some cases, pain may be absent. Further, the characteristic symptoms of the disease are noted:

• the affected area becomes swollen, hot, red (or discolored);
• there are skin blisters with serous or serous-hemorrhagic contents;
• up to the critical temperature rises;
• there is tachycardia, hypotension, decreased mental activity;
• develops gangrene .

The exact diagnosis is established by the doctor on examination and is confirmed by the results of tests that show high leukocytosis, deterioration of hemodynamic and metabolic status.

Treatment of fasciitis

The question of how to treat fasciitis is extremely important, because every third person dies, and a significant proportion of the survivors the disease remains disabled for life.

Necrotizing fasciitis therapy includes:

• use of antibiotics of at least two types;
• use of immunomodulators ;
• surgical intervention in the spread of infection, while the technique of surgical treatment is associated with the localization of infection and the area affected.

In the most severe cases, urgent amputation is required.