An early diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis offers the patient the best chance of survival and a good outcome. Knowing the signs is vital.
Early signs of necrotising fasciitis
The first indication that you are developing necrotising fasciitis may be intense pain around an area of skin. This is quite likely to be in the region of a cut to the skin – probably on a limb or around the abdomen, buttocks or genitals. If you are in hospital, this could be the site of a surgical incision or an injection site. Outside of hospital, your wound may be the result of an accident in the garden or around the house or falling off a bicycle. It could be a graze or a bite. Anything that causes a break in the surface of the skin can allow bacteria to enter beneath the surface of the skin and initiate the infection.
The area around the cut will become red and swollen and tender.
At this point, the patient’s symptoms may be confused with other skin infections such as cellulitis. However, a high suspicion of necrotising fasciitis should remain as the failure to diagnose this devastating illness can be catastrophic.
Developing symptoms
As infection sets in the patient is likely to develop symptoms beyond the area of their injury which should indicate that they are becoming seriously unwell.
They are likely to have a fast heartbeat, a high temperature, rapid breathing and a reducing blood pressure.
The area around their cut may start to blister and change colour as the soft tissue becomes infected and starts to die.
Diagnosing necrotising fasciitis
A diagnosis is vital at this stage as surgical treatment needs to be commenced as quickly as possible.
A high suspicion of necrotising fasciitis may be sufficient to warrant a surgical investigation of the patent’s symptoms even when an absolute diagnosis has not been made.
A delay may mean that the infection will continue to spread rapidly through the body, threatening the life of the patient.
The longer medical professionals delay in commencing surgical removal of infected tissue, the more likely the patient is to suffer severe tissue damage and, possibly, die.
Failing to diagnose necrotising fasciitis
If the symptoms of necrotising fasciitis are not recognised and treatment does not start, the patient will deteriorate, becoming confused and starting to exhibit signs of multiple organ failure.
Medical negligence
Where medical professionals had an opportunity to diagnose necrotising fasciitis but failed to do so, they may be considered to have provided substandard care.
Should the patient suffer a significantly worse long-term outcome as a result, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a medical negligence specialist
Contact us today to talk to a specialist solicitor if you or a loved one are suffering the shocking long-term consequences of necrotising fasciitis due to a delay in your diagnosis.
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