A rare, serious infection of tissues beneath the skin by a type of streptococcal bacterium.
Necrotizing fasciitis is most likely to occur as a complication following surgery.
The initial symptoms are inflammation and blistering of the skin.
The infection spreads very rapidly, and the bacteria release enzymes and toxins that can cause extensive destruction of deeper tissues and damage internal organs.
Urgent treatment with antibiotic drugs and removal of all infected tissue are essential.
The infection is life-threatening.
a life-threatening bacterial infection of the layer of *fascia beneath the skin, usually by Streptococcus Type A. Symptoms appear rapidly after initial infection; they include a rash with blistering and discoloration of the skin, pain and inflammation of lymph nodes, fever, drowsiness, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Tissue necrosis and toxin production can result in shock and possible multi-organ failure. Necrotizing fasciitis is often associated with vascular disease, especially in diabetics, and the elderly and those who have recently undergone surgery are also vulnerable to the infection, which requires prompt treatment with intravenous antibiotics and excision of the involved tissue.
In?ammation of FASCIA. The most common site is the sole of the foot, where it is known as plantar fasciitis. It is characterised by gnawing pain. There is no speci?c treatment, but the condition usually clears up spontaneously – though over a considerable time.... fasciitis
Also known as CELLULITIS. A potentially lethal infection caused by the gram-positive (see GRAM’S STAIN) bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes which has the property of producing dangerous exotoxins. The infection, which starts in the layer of FASCIA under the SKIN, may spread very rapidly, destroying tissue as it spreads. Urgent antibiotic treatment may check the infection, and surgery is sometimes required, but even with treatment patients may die (see STREPTOCOCCUS).... necrotising fasciitis
(NEC) a serious disease affecting the bowel during the first three weeks of life; it is much more common in preterm babies. The abdomen distends and blood and mucus appear in the stools; the bowel may perforate. Treatment is to rest the bowel and administer antibiotics. If the bowel becomes necrotic, surgery may be necessary. The cause is unknown but the disease may be the result of a reduced supply of oxygen to the bowel or infection.... necrotizing enterocolitis
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