Necrotizing subcutaneous infection

Alternative names:

fasciitis - necrotizing; flesh-eating bacteria; infection - necrotizing subcutaneous; necrotizing fasciitis; subcutaneous infection - bacterial

Treatment:

Extremely powerful broad-spectrum or organism-specific antibiotics must be administered immediately. They are given intravenously (in a vein) to attain high blood levels of the antibiotic in an attempt to control the infection. Surgery is required to open and drain infected areas and remove (debride) dead tissue. Skin grafts may be required after the infection is cleared. If the infection is in a limb and cannot be contained or controlled, amputation of the limb may be considered.

If the organism is determined to be an oxygen-avoiding bacteria (anaerobe) the patient may be placed in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, a device in which the patient is exposed to 100% oxygen at several atmospheres of pressure.

Expectations (prognosis):

Outcomes are extremely variable. The type of infecting organism, rate of spread, susceptibility to antibiotics, and how early the condition was diagnosed all contribute to the final outcome. Scarring and deformity are minimal outcomes for this type of disease. Fatalities are high even with aggressive and advanced treatment and powerful antibiotics. Untreated, the infection invariably spreads and causes death.

Complications:

• local spread of infection, progressive tissue damage
• systemic spread of infection, sepsis
• scarring and disfigurement
• functional loss of a limb

Calling your health care provider:

This disorder is severe and may be life-threatening, so consult your health care provider promptly.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if signs of infection occur around a skin injury: pain, swelling, redness, drainage of pus or blood, fever, or other similar symptoms.