Necrotizing fasciitis is a bacterial infection that spreads quickly in the body and may cause death. It is a type of soft-tissue infection which can destroy the tissue under the skin. It is caused by A Streptococcus commonly known as "flesh-eating bacteria". When this infection is caused by other types of bacteria, it typically doesn’t progress as quickly and isn’t quite as dangerous.

This bacterial infection is rare in healthy people, but it is possible to get the infection from even a tiny-cut. So if you have any symptoms see your doctor immediately, because early treatment is essential since the condition might progress quickly.

Facts:

The incidence of necrotizing fasciitis ranges from 0.3 to 15 cases per 100,000 population in India.

The incidence of necrotizing fasciitis in adults is approximately 0.40 per 100,000 individuals in US.

Causes of Necrotizing Fasciitis

Necrotizing Fasciitis causes when bacteria invade your body through cut in your skin. Ways that bacteria can enter your skin:

• Cuts, scrapes or burns

• Insect bites

• Wounds from needles

• Surgery

Symptoms of Necrotizing Fasciitis

• Chills
• Fever
• Body ache
• Reddened or discolored skin
• Swelling of affected tissue
• Tissue death
• Low blood pressure
• Sepsis

Risk factors:

People are at greater risk of developing Necrotizing fasciitis who have:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Alcoholism
• Weak immune system
• Cancer pregnancy

Prevention:

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent necrotizing fasciitis. To prevent it we need to take precautions by:

• Try to avoid cuts, burns, scratches or bug bites.
• If you do have any wounds make sure to clean it with soap and water and then cover it with a bandage till it heals.
• Keep your hands clean
• Don’t go into swimming pools or hot tubs if you have a breaks or cuts in your skin.

You should see your doctor if you notice any discoloration on skin, swelling that gets bigger, causing lot of pain.