Necrotizing fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF), also known as flesh-eating disease, is an <a href="/facts/Infection/182XrncP">infection</a> that kills the body's <a href="/facts/Soft_tissue/cHBwqLpP">soft tissue</a>. It is a serious disease that begins and spreads quickly. Symptoms include red or purple or black skin, swelling, severe pain, <a href="/facts/Fever/waVxR2Ac">fever</a>, and vomiting. The most commonly affected areas are the <a href="/facts/Limb_(anatomy)/AqasUdSC">limbs</a> and <a href="/facts/Perineum/MaBAap96">perineum</a>.
Bacterial infection is by far the most common cause of necrotizing fasciitis. Despite being called a "flesh-eating disease", bacteria do not eat human tissue. Rather, they release toxins that cause tissue death. Typically, the infection enters the body through a break in the skin such as a cut or <a href="/facts/Burn/EHdVoSxB">burn</a>. Risk factors include recent trauma or surgery and <a href="/facts/Immunodeficiency/CIEujXmc">a weakened immune system</a> due to <a href="/facts/Diabetes/2xeHXbsI">diabetes</a> or <a href="/facts/Cancer/PVW6n1D0">cancer</a>, <a href="/facts/Obesity/RBF9y5Vl">obesity</a>, <a href="/facts/Alcoholism/KGPzpChp">alcoholism</a>, <a href="/facts/Intravenous_drug_use/yuvAyTho">intravenous drug use</a>, and <a href="/facts/Peripheral_artery_disease/gIpXlQFu">peripheral artery disease</a>. It does not usually spread between people. The disease is classified into four types, depending on the infecting organisms. <a href="/facts/Medical_imaging/pL6JyJEp">Medical imaging</a> is often helpful to confirm the diagnosis.
Necrotizing fasciitis is treated with <a href="/facts/Debridement/AKRoSBxQ">surgery to remove the infected tissue</a>, and <a href="/facts/Antibiotic/sF1kIfxg">antibiotics</a>. It is considered a surgical emergency. Delays in surgery are associated with a much higher risk of death. Despite high-quality treatment, the risk of death remains between 25 and 35%.

Necrotizing fasciitis open-in-new

Necrotizing fasciitis