Necrotising fasciitis (necrotizing fasciitis) is a rare bacterial infection of the subcutaneous tissues and fascia.
What is the flesh-eating disease?
Necrotising fasciitis is a type of bacterial infection. It can be caused by different types of bacteria, most commonly the Group A Streptococcus bacteria.
It happens when the bacteria get into the body and reach the subcutaneous tissues. The subcutaneous tissue is the third and deepest layer of skin. It contains fat and large blood vessels and helps to regulate the body’s temperature.
The bacteria can get into the body and to the subcutaneous tissue through a break in the outer layer of skin. This can be as tiny as a paper cut or scratch.
When the bacteria get into the subcutaneous tissues, they will begin to reproduce. As they do this a toxin is released into the body. This damages the surrounding tissue and fascia (connective tissue), causing it to deteriorate. As a result, the blood supply will be disrupted, meaning the tissue will break down even further.
Within a short space of time the tissue will become ‘ischaemic’, which is when there is a deficiency in oxygen. The tissue will break down even further until it dies, or becomes ‘necrotic’.
As the bacteria continue to reproduce, the area of infection will grow in size, creating an increasing amount of dead tissue. This gives the appearance of something eating the tissue, which is why necrotising fasciitis is often dubbed the ‘flesh-eating disease’. However, the bacteria are not actually eating the flesh; rather, they are causing it to break down and die.
How to treat a flesh-eating disease
Necrotising fasciitis can only be treated with surgical debridement, which is when all the infected tissue is surgically removed. It is also beneficial to administer intravenous antibiotics.
Treatment must be provided as soon as possible or the bacteria will spread, creating an even larger area of dead tissue, all of which will ultimately need to be removed. Therefore if there is a delay, the area may be so extensive that a patient is left with a significant defect, or even an amputation.
Furthermore it will not be long before the infection reaches the bloodstream. This can result in fatal complications, such as sepsis and multi-organ failure.
Flesh eating disease and medical negligence
If necrotising fasciitis is not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner because of negligent medical care, there may be grounds for a compensation claim. Contact us again for more information.
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