Necrotizing fasciitis: causes, treatment, and symptoms

Caused by a bacterium, this rare disease causes death by necrosis of infected tissue. Is it a common condition? What are the symptoms? How do we treat it?

What is necrotizing fasciitis?

This disease is also known as sad “flesh-eating disease. It is a rare infection The deep and superficial fascia. Fascia is a membrane that surrounds the muscles, organs, ligaments, bones, nerves, and viscera… that are present in the human body. cause this infection death of infected tissue. Necrotizing fasciitis is very rare and only affects 3 to 7 people per million each year.

What causes necrotizing fasciitis?

Necrotizing fasciitis can be caused by various bacteria, the most common being group A streptococci, A germ at the root of many highly diverse diseases such as Angina, scarlet fever, herpes, pneumonia … Other bacteria sometimes associated with each other (Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, Vibrio vulnificus)“, explains Dr. Veraben. People Those who underwent surgery, diabetics and immunocompromised They are the most susceptible to this disease.

bacteria intended. when it spreads We accept contaminated person or using his tools.

What are the symptoms?

This condition is characterized by:

Sometimes than Fever
affiliate Strong pains in the affected area
a Red, painful, rapid swelling As it extends up to 3 cm / hour

“It is fatal in 30% of cases.a dermatologist.

What are the treatments?

treatment antibiotic It is prescribed to fight bacteria. But its effectiveness is limited. Surgery removes dead tissue. “Be wary of anti-inflammatories that aggravate or trigger infection“says Dr. Verappen.

Thanks to Dr. Roland Viraben, dermatologist and member of the National Union of Dermatologists and Venereologists (SNDV).