We’ve discussed some diseases that are caused by walking barefoot on the sand. Hookworm infection is a very common parasitic condition you may contract after careless beach strolling. However, hookworm infection isn’t life-threatening – for human beings, in most cases – and can go on its own in a few years. However, necrotizing fasciitis shouldn’t be taken lightly as this condition is rare but extremely harmful. Deservedly christened the flesh-eating disease, necrotizing fasciitis can spread quickly, decompose your tissues, turn you into a zombie-looking creature, and eventually cause your unfortunate demise. So, this top viral news will tell you everything important about preventing and surviving necrotizing fasciitis.
What is necrotizing fasciitis?
Called fasciitis necroticans, the flesh-eating bacteria syndrome, necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI), and other names, this disease kills your body’s soft tissues, usually your limbs and perineum (the area between your anus and genitals). It’s one of the oldest prescribed conditions and even ancient Greeks knew about it. However, the name “necrotizing fasciitis” was coined in the 1950s. It simply originates from the words “necro” meaning dead and “fascia” meaning a band (of tissues). It’s a life-threatening disorder with a mortality rate ranging between 20% and 80% based on different risk factors discussed in this blog. Generally, it’s not contagious so you may not get it from another infected person.
How do you get necrotizing fasciitis?
Many cases of necrotizing fasciitis are caused by multiple bacteria. However, the most common culprit is the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), one of the leading causes behind several difficult-to-treat and life-threatening diseases. Similarly, group A strep can lead to necrotizing fasciitis as well. You’re more vulnerable to this infection if you’re suffering from cancer, obesity, diabetes, alcoholism, and substance abuse disorder. It’s estimated that 70% of necrotizing fasciitis patients suffer from these chronic conditions. One of the most ways you can get it is when your wounds get infected. So, experts have recorded the following ways of necrotizing fasciitis infection:
- Infected cuts
- Infected burns
- Infected insect bites
What happens when you get necrotizing fasciitis?
What happens when you get NF? Well, you slowly turn into a zombie! Your soft tissues get damaged, and without treatment, you will most probably die. However, if the infected limb is amputated then your life can be saved. Many celebrities have acquired the “flesh-eating bug” in the 20th century e.g., a Canadian politician named Lucien Bouchard, an American comedian named Don Rickles, a Nobel laureate named Eric A. Cornell, a British political scientist named R. W. Johnson, an Estonian politician named Edgar Savisaar. Most of them had their legs amputated because of necrotizing fasciitis. So, some early symptoms of this zombie bacteria include:
- Your skin gets red and then purplish
- The infected body parts became swollen
- The infected tissues will begin to harden quickly
- Intense pain in surrounding parts too (since the disease is spreading)
- In some cases, ulcers, blisters, and oozing from the infected body parts
How is necrotizing fasciitis treated?
Is necrotizing fasciitis treatable? Absolutely. You can even live longer by getting surgery done on your infected body parts in time. Surgeons will have to remove your leg, for example, to prevent the infection from spreading. And – believe us – it can spread like wildfire! Combined with antibiotics (bacteria-killing meds), necrotizing fasciitis can be cured. However, even after surgery, some people may die. That’s why it’s important to focus on handwashing and taking care of your wounds.
Necrotizing fasciitis – FAQs
Question #1:- What sort of people are more vulnerable to necrotizing fasciitis?
Individuals with a compromised immune system are more vulnerable to necrotizing fasciitis. Similarly, people with already-existing chronic conditions e.g., diabetes and neoplasm are also at risk of getting the flesh-eating disease.
Question #2:- How is necrotizing fasciitis diagnosed by doctors?
A doctor will perform a biopsy (by taking a tissue sample) or look at your bloodwork for signs of muscle damage. Moreover, MRI and CT scan imagining can also reveal the symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis.
Question #3:- Can taking a medicine cause necrotizing fasciitis?
Okay, this one’s a bit scary. A drug called Jardiance has a rare side effect that causes necrotizing fasciitis. This diabetes-treating medicine can cause Fournier’s gangrene, a sort of necrotizing fasciitis that putrefies your perineum (the area between the anus and genitals).
Question #4:- Can necrotic tissue get better again?
Sadly, necrotizing fasciitis makes your tissue non-functioning and it can never become alive again.
Question #5:- Is necrotizing fasciitis common?
It’s a rare disease and doesn’t happen much often. However, it’s more common in the United States than in other countries
Conclusion
So, what have we learned from this top viral news? Well, we have learned that necrotizing fasciitis (the flesh-eating disease) is a life-threatening condition. It’s caused by different bacteria and, when it doesn’t claim your life, you may lose your limbs. It’s very rare but many celebrities have had their legs amputated because of this zombie disorder. You can prevent necrotizing fasciitis by keeping your wounds clean, washing your hands regularly, and refraining from stepping in contaminated areas.
