How to Treat Necrotizing Fasciitis
Necrotizing fasciitis, more commonly referred to as flesh eating bacteria, is a rare but dangerous skin condition that can turn deadly. Related to common bacteria called streptococcus, necrotizing fasciitis devours not only the infected skin but also the fat and tissue that covers the muscle beneath. This is called the fascia. The spread of the disease is quick, leaving a short window of opportunity to treat it successfully.
Instructions
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1
Report to a doctor when initial symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis are present. These include pain accompanied by radiating heat, redness, skin blisters and swelling. Additional symptoms will include fever, flu-like symptoms, nausea and vomiting.
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2
Report to an emergency room if the above symptoms noted in Step 1 are accompanied by confusion, dizziness, and fainting. These could mean the body is going into shock. Also report to an ER if the skin suddenly begins to die (as symbolized by the deep green or black look of gangrene), discolor, peel or scale.
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3
Submit to antibiotic IVs of drugs like clindamycin or penicillin. Antibiotics are the first treatment choice of physicians in the case of necrotizing faciitis.
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4
Take part in oxygen therapy. It is often used in conjunction with or instead of antibiotic therapy. It involves being placed into an oxygenated hyperbaric chamber. This therapy often slows the disease's progression. In some situations it may abate it altogether.
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Yield to surgical debridement to remove the infected skin and tissue. More than one procedure may be necessary before gaining full control and stopping the spread of the disease.
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Agree to amputation when all other treatments fail. Unfortunately, surgical debridement is not always enough. It sometimes becomes necessary to remove the infected body part, which is most often found in the extremities. Complete removal may stop the disease from reaching bodily organs.
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Take part in other treatments. In extreme situations organs may be affected by the disease. These commonly include the kidneys and respiratory system. In such instances, additional treatments such as kidney dialysis or ventilation may be necessary.
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8
Complete all follow-up treatments. A course of broad-spectrum antibiotics may be prescribed following surgery to ensure the complete destruction of the bacteria. Immunoglobulin may also be used intravenously to boost the body's immune system. Oxygen therapy may be recommend to speed up the healing process after surgery.
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Tips & Warnings
The course of treatment chosen will depend upon factors like the amount of time that has elapsed before treatment was sought, the individual's health, and other factors that could suppress the immune system such as drug use or alcoholism.
Not every hospital has access to a hyperbaric chamber to do an oxygen treatment.
Necrotizing fasciitis is fatal in about 30% of all individuals infected with the disease.
