What is Necrotising Fasciitis?
Necrotising Fasciitis is an aggressive flesh eating disease that releases toxins, killing skin and muscle. While it is not as commonly heard of as MRSA and Clostridium Difficile, Necrotising Fasciitis can be extremely dangerous if not treated immediately.
How Do You Get Necrotising Fasciitis?
Necrotising Fasciitis begins locally at a site where trauma to the skin has occurred. This can trauma can be severe (such as surgery), minor (such as a small scratch), or even non-apparent (where the patient cannot recall experiencing any trauma to the skin). Any penetration of the skin, no matter how minor, allows bacteria to enter the body. The infection can also occur from coming into direct contact with a carrier of the bacteria. Once inside the body, the bacteria not only release toxins that kill soft tissue and fascia, but also rapidly reproduce, causing the infection to spread at an alarming rate.
What Are The Symptoms?
Necrotising Fasciitis often begins with the patient reporting an extreme amount of pain at the site of infection. While there may be little or no physical signs at the initial stages, as the infection becomes more severe the skin tissue will become more swollen and may become purple in colour. Fever, severe dehydration, low blood pressure, vomiting and diahorrea are also symptoms.
Treatment
Because of the speed at which the infection can spread, if Necrotising Fasciitis is suspected then medical staff should prescribe intravenous antibiotics immediately. The tissue should then be analysed, and if infection is found to be present surgery should be quickly arranged to remove the affected tissue. This procedure is known as debridement, and is essential if the infection is to be successfully removed. After the procedure skin grafting by a plastic surgeon may be required, and in the most serious cases amputation may be necessary.
Necrotising Fasciitis and Medical Negligence
Necrotising Fasciitis is a rare disease, and is often misdiagnosed because the initial symptoms look like a more minor affliction. If left untreated, the bacteria will quickly cause the body's organs to go into systemic shock, potentially leading to respiratory failure, heart failure, low blood pressure, renal failure, and ultimately resulting in death.
We have seen a growing number of clients contacting us recently due to the hospital failing to diagnose Necrotising Fasciitis either sufficiently quickly or at all. If this has happened to you we may well be able to help you. Please contact us as soon as possible for further advice.
Need Advice About Necrotising Fasciitis?
If you believe that you or a member of your family has been infected, please contact us for early legal advice. All initial enquiries are completely free of charge.
Can We Help You With A Necrotising Fasciities Enquiry?
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