Necrotitus Fasciitis

A few weeks back i was able to obtain a work placement at my local NHS for a week. Though i was able to see some very interesting and exciting cases, the most interesting one was when a person came in with a rare and critical disease called Necrotizing fasciitis, also known as the flesh eating disease.

Necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as the flesh eating disease, is a rare infection of the deeper layers of skin and tissues by bacteria which progresses quickly. It can present suddenly, often with people whose immune systems have already been compromised, and must be treated quickly with high doses of intravenous antibiotics as the progression can be very quick and fatal, with a patient who has recently contracted it succumbing to the disease within hours.

A majority of the cases are recorded in patients who have underlying conditions such as immunosuppression, diabetes, chronic diseases or who drink alcohol, smoke excessively and abuse drugs. The infection, typically, beings at the site of the trauma, which can be severe or minor, and results in intense pain. Within a few hours, the progression of the disease can cause the skin and tissues to become swollen, with diarrhea and vomiting being common symptoms. If the bacteria are not present too deep in the skin it can show signs of infection on the surface of the skin through inflammation or a swollen and red appearance.

Bacteria are responsible for the destruction of skin and muscles by releasing toxins that can lead to the necrosis (death) of infected tissues and patients are typically diagnosed through a visual examination and by tissue samples, that are then observed under microscopes. After confirmation patients are given antibiotics to help gain control over the condition, though surgery and amputation of certain limbs may be necessary to help prevent the disease from spreading and protecting surrounding tissues.