Necrotising fasciitis is a serious bacterial infection that will make the tissue gangrenous. Once it has died, the tissue will need to be surgically removed, as it cannot be saved.
What is gangrene?
Gangrene is when a loss of blood supply causes the tissue to break down and die. Initially this will cause the tissue to become swollen and red. If left untreated, the skin will turn dark red to purple and black in colour. The tissue will then die (become necrotic) and fall away from the surrounding tissue, leaving an open wound in its place.
There are various ways in which gangrene can occur, all of which involve the disruption of the blood supply to one or more areas of the body. Possible causes include: underlying health conditions that affect the body’s circulation (such as diabetes), traumatic injuries and infection.
Gangrene and necrotising fasciitis
Necrotising fasciitis is a type of infection that can cause gangrene. Necrotising fasciitis happens when a certain type of bacteria enter the body’s soft tissues and begin to reproduce. As the bacteria multiply, they release a toxin into the body that causes the surrounding tissue to breakdown. This will disrupt the blood supply to that area of tissue, obstructing the supply of oxygen and causing the build-up of waste products.
The bacteria reproduce extremely quickly, so it will not take long for the tissue to breakdown and become gangrenous. At this stage the skin will begin to turn dark red to purple in colour. Once it has become necrotic, the skin will be black in colour and the tissue will begin to fall away from the body, leaving a gaping wound.
Preventing gangrene and necrotising fasciitis
The only way to prevent the potential defects caused by necrotising fasciitis is to treat the condition in a timely fashion. Surgical intervention is compulsory as this is the only way to rid the body infection.
Early treatment does, however, depend upon the ability of medical professionals to make a quick diagnosis. Unfortunately doctors do not always recognise the signs and symptoms of a severe bacterial infection, only recognising the problem once the tissue has become gangrenous, by which point it is too late.
Necrotising fasciitis claims
If you have suffered extensive gangrene because doctors failed to diagnose you with necrotising fasciitis, you could be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation. Please contact us today to find out more.
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