Necrotising fasciitis is an aggressive bacterial infection which can, in a very small number of cases, be caused by a spider bite.
What causes necrotising fasciitis?
To catch necrotising fasciitis, you must firstly come into contact with the bacteria, and secondly the bacteria must have an opportunity to enter the body via a break in the skin.
In typical cases of necrotising fasciitis, someone will suffer a superficial skin injury – such as a paper cut – and subsequently come into contact with the necrotising fasciitis bacteria. The bacteria therefore have the chance to enter the body through the cut, resulting in an infection. It is also common for a hospital patient to pick up an infection after an operation, as the bacteria can readily enter through the surgical wound.
Less commonly, necrotising fasciitis will occur after an insect bite, such as a spider bite. This happens because the spider will have pierced the skin when biting the individual concerned. Bacteria can then enter through the bite wound, causing a secondary infection of necrotising fasciitis. There are various cases in which a spider bite has found to be the cause of necrotising fasciitis, with many being brown recluse spider bites.
Diagnosing and treating necrotising fasciitis
Successful treatment of necrotising fasciitis depends upon an early diagnosis. This is because the infection will quickly spread, leading to a large area of necrotic (dead) tissue. The only way to prevent the infection becoming life-threatening is through early treatment, as this is the only way to rid the body of the bacteria.
To some extent it does not matter how a patient contracted the disease, be it from a spider bite or something else. What matters is that doctors recognise necrotising fasciitis without delay and provide immediate treatment. If there is a failure to achieve this standard of care, there may be a case of medical negligence.
Necrotising fasciitis and medical negligence
If medical professionals do not provide an acceptable standard of care, causing a patient to suffer avoidable injury, there will be grounds for a compensation claim. If this has happened to you or your loved one, you need to speak to a solicitor as soon as possible.
A solicitor who specialises in medical negligence claims will be able to suggest whether you are entitled to pursue a claim for compensation. Although this will not undo the damage that has been incurred by you and your family, it will provide some form of redress, and will ensure you have the financial support you need over the coming years.
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