Necrotizing fasciitis:
Soft tissue infection, in which there is destruction and necrosis of tissue in skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscles. Usually follows abdominal surgery or trauma.
Caused by:
- Infection with group A Streptococcus, commonly known as “flesh-eating bacteria”
Others include:
- Aeromonas hydrophila
- Clostridium
- E. coli
- Klebsiella
- Staphylococcus aureus
Immuno - compromised [e.g. Diabetics and IV drug addicts] are more susceptible.
Common sites: abdominal wall, perineum and limbs.
Starts as cellulitis with early systemic toxicity. It is characterized by non-blanching erythema, with blisters and frank necrosis of the skin. No definitive margins
TREATMENT:
Extensive surgical debridement of the affected area, in combination with high dose broad spectrum is the appropriate Rx till C/S result.
Fourniers gangrene: is defined as a polymicrobial necrotizing fasciitis of the perineal, perianal, or genital areas
