Necrotizing Fasciitis

Table of ContentsNecrotizing Fasciitis OverviewWhat Causes Necrotizing Fasciitis?

Signs and SymptomsTreatment and Prevention

Necrotizing Fasciitis Overview

What is Necrotizing Fasciitis? Necrotizing Fasciitis or NF, commonly know as flesh eating disease is a serious bacterial infection

of the subcutaneous tissue that spreads across the fascial plane within the subcutaneous tissue.

Most Common Areas in the Body Affected by Necrotizing Fasciitis

GroinAbdomenArmsLegs

Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Prevalence

600 People Per Year

1 of Every 4 Infected Die

to Ratio is 3-to-1

More Common in Immunosuppressed

What Causes Necrotizing Fasciitis?

Group A Streptococcus (GAS)

Most Common Cause:

Streptococcus pyogenes

Streptococcus pyogenes

Group A

-hemolytic

Chains of Cocci

Gram Positive

Incubation Period Around 13 Days

Catalase Negative

Releases Exotoxins

Signs and Symptoms

SymptomsRed,

Swollen Skin

Fever Chills

Nausea and Vomiting Diarrhea Pain

Three Stages

Stage 1

Tenderness to Palpation

ErythemaSwellingWarmth to Palpation

Stage 2

Serous-Filled Blister

Skin Fluctuance

Induration

Stage 3 Hemorrhagic Bullae

Skin Anesthesia Crepitus Skin Necrosis Dusky Discoloration Progressing to Gangrene

Treatment and Prevention

Treatments

Intravenous Antibiotic Therapy

SurgicalDebridement

Medications Amputation

Treatments

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Cardiac monitoring &

Breathing aids

Blood Transfusions

Intravenous Immunoglobulin

PreventionFirst Aid Wound Care

PreventionHand Washing Avoid Contact