Necrotising fasciitis is a serious bacterial infection. But how do the bacteria enter the body? And how long is it before symptoms appear?
How does necrotising fasciitis get into the body?
Necrotising fasciitis is a bacterial infection that is caused most commonly by the Group A Streptococcus bacteria, although it can be caused by other types of bacteria.
The infection happens when the bacteria get into the body through a break in the skin. This break in the skin can be of any size, ranging from a large surgical wound to a paper cut.
We have dealt with a significant number of necrotising fasciitis cases and have seen the infection arise after a:
- Surgical operation, often abdominal surgery
- Caesarean section
- Spider or insect bite
- Paper cut
- Scratch sustained in the garden
- Pressure sore
- Abscess
- Perineal ulcer
These are just a few examples of the way in which the necrotising fasciitis bacteria may enter the body, and show just how varied it can be. Quite often the patient is not even aware that he/she has sustained an injury, as it may be a graze or cut that it cannot even be seen.
How long until symptoms appear?
Whatever route the bacteria manage to get into the body, it will not be long before symptoms appear. It may simply be a matter of hours before the affected individual begins to notice:
- A severe pain that is disproportionate to the injury that has been sustained, if any injury can even be seen
- A fever
- Skin at the site of infection that is red and hot to touch
These symptoms are indicative of an infection and should prompt medical practitioners to investigate the possibility of a tissue infection. However, it may not be until the skin actually starts to change colour that they suspect a severe infection such as necrotising fasciitis. Because the infection progresses so rapidly, the site of infection will normally turn from red to purple/black within 24 hours.
By this stage medical practitioners should be able to diagnose the infection without delay. If this is a delay in diagnosis because of a failure to recognise the condition, the standard of care will be deemed unreasonable.
If this causes a patient to suffer harm, there may be grounds for a medical negligence claim.
Contact us today
To talk to a solicitor about necrotising fasciitis, please get in touch with us today.
Free, No Obligation Enquiry
Call us now on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Free Online Enquiry.
