Necrotizing Fasciitis Research Paper

Necrotizing fasciitis is a form of soft tissue infection that can destroy the tissue in your skin as well as your muscles and the tissue under your skin. Necrotizing fasciitis is usually caused by an infection with group A Streptococcus, and usually called a “flesh-eating bacteria.” This is the fastest moving kind of the infection. When this infection is caused by other types of bacteria, it typically doesn’t spread and grow as quickly and isn’t as dangerous. While A Streptococcus is the most common, there are many types of bacteria that can cause necrotizing fasciitis. First, you need to have the bacteria in your body. This naturally occurs when the skin is broken. For example, the bacteria can enter your body through a scrape, cut or even a surgical incision. …show more content…
Flu-like symptoms may begin. You may also develop a painful, red bump, which is normally tiny. However, the bump doesn’t stay small. The pain will become worse, and the affected area will grow quickly. There may be oozing from the infected area, or it may start to turn colors as it continues to decay. Some patients have reported having fatigue, weakness, fevers with sweat and chills, frequent urination, vomiting, nausea and dizziness. It may cause blisters, black dots, bumps or other skin lesions. In the onset of the infection, the pain is worse than the rotting flesh even looks. While it is obvious something is off just by looking at the skin, doctors may take a biopsy, perform blood tests, MRI or CT scans may assist in making a diagnosis. Blood tests will show if the damage has gone muscle deep. A strong antibiotic will be injected intravenously, and depending how deep the infection has spread, muscles are evaluated to determine the damage. You can be left with anything from minor scarring to amputation of one or more limbs. Good and prompt hygiene is key in keeping a minor situation from developing into this major