What is the Cause of Necrotizing Fasciitis?

Common Causes of Necrotizing Fasciitis You Should Know

Commonly known as "flesh-eating disease,” necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection that rapidly spreads through the body's soft tissues, particularly the fascia, the supporting connective tissue that surrounds muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.

It can cause tissue death in a massive amount and, if left untreated, leads to organ failure or death. Although necrotizing fasciitis is not very common, understanding the causes and risk factors of the disease will help you recognize its risks and seek treatment early.

Read ahead for more insight.

What Causes Necrotizing Fasciitis?

Necrotizing fasciitis typically results from a bacterial infection that invades the body through a skin wound. While group A Streptococcus (GAS) is mainly responsible, other bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Klebsiella can also be responsible.

The bacteria can enter the body through:

• Cuts, scrapes, or surgical wounds
• Puncture wounds from needles or bites from insects
• Blunt trauma without a visible break in the skin
• Burns or ulcers

Once in the body, the bacteria grow rapidly and release toxins that kill cells and disrupt blood flow, thereby accelerating the necrotic (cell-killing) process.

What are the Risk Factors for Necrotizing Fasciitis?

Although necrotizing fasciitis can affect anyone, specific individuals have a higher risk of developing the infection. They are listed below:

• People with weakened immune systems (for instance, due to cancer, diabetes, or chronic disease)
• Diabetic people, since this compromises wound healing, are more likely to experience infection.
• People with obesity or peripheral vascular disease
• People who have gone through recent surgery or traumatic injury
• Individuals with open wounds who come into contact with contaminated water or unsanitary environments.

Is Necrotizing Fasciitis Contagious?

Necrotizing fasciitis is not contagious. It doesn’t transmit from person to person through casual contact. However, close contact with an infected patient's wounds or discharges, most often in hospitals or nursing homes, is sometimes dangerous, especially if you have an open cut or a weakened immune system.

Hygiene and wound care are the keys to preventing this fatal medical condition.

What are the Early Symptoms of Necrotizing Fasciitis?

The initial symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis may be similar to those of a minor cutaneous infection, making early detection challenging. Some common signs and symptoms can be:

• Severe pain in the affected area
• Redness, swelling, or a feeling of warmth in the area of the wound
• Fever, chills, or tiredness
• Discoloration of the skin (purple or black), or blistering

As the infection advances at a rapid rate, shock, hypotension, and unconsciousness may develop within a few hours. Symptoms escalate within 24–48 hours, with skin discoloration (purple/black) and systemic toxicity (fever, shock) signaling advanced disease.

How is Necrotizing Fasciitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis generally involves a few steps to quickly diagnose the infection and determine its severity, including:

• Physical examination and history to review symptoms, underlying illness, and recent trauma or injuries.
• Imaging tests like MRI or CT scans that reveal inflammation or necrosis of deep tissue.
• Lab tests, tissue or blood cultures are used to determine causative bacteria.
   

How is Necrotizing Fasciitis Treated?

The treatment of necrotizing fasciitis typically includes the following:

• Emergency surgery that involves ebridement of infected and dead tissue is needed to halt the advancement.
• Intravenous antibiotics where broad-spectrum antibiotics that are given to suppress bacterial growth.
• Severe cases can be managed with supportive care, including IV fluids, oxygen therapy, or mechanical ventilation in intensive care units.

It is important to note that insufficient or delayed treatment can result in organ failure, amputation of limbs, or even death. Prompt medical attention significantly enhances the likelihood of recovery and survival.

Can Necrotizing Fasciitis Be Prevented?

Even though it is not possible to avoid all infections, certain measures can be taken to minimize the risk, such as:

• Wounds should be kept clean and covered until they are fully resolved.
• Do not go swimming in oceans, lakes, or rivers with open wounds or cuts.
• Seek medical attention immediately for signs of skin infection or poor wound recovery.
• Control chronic health conditions such as obesity and diabetes properly.
• Maintaining good hygiene and providing proper wound care are crucial for minimizing the risk of infection.

Necrotizing fasciitis is uncommon, but it can be fatal. It is most often the result of group A Streptococcus bacteria that enter the body from wounds or trauma. Those with impaired immunity, diabetes, or chronic illness are susceptible. Early signs like swelling and pain should be taken seriously and not ignored.

Early medical treatment, such as surgery and antibiotics, is the only way to manage this condition. Thus, it is crucial to have health insurance to secure your health and finances during critical times.

At Star Health, we offer extensive coverage for various health conditions under our tailored insurance policies. We also provide hassle-free claim settlements with reduced turnaround time across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.