Necrotizing Fasciitis: Get Yourself Enlightened to Prevent a Lethal Disease

Necrotizing Fasciitis is an uncommon disease that results in mortality if not treated in the early stages. It is difficult to differentiate it from other superficial skin diseases that demanded attention to have Necrotizing Fasciitis awareness day. There have been many notable cases of prominent personalities as well since 1994 to 2018. The rampant damage towards human beings compelled world health stakeholders to declare an awareness day which was first held on May 31 in the year 2017 by the Governor of Michigan.

In America from the national football league, quarterback for the Washington football team contracted the disease after being injured and avoided amputation. He eventually returned to playing football in October 2020, which adds to the efforts on Necrotizing fasciitis awareness celebrations.

National Necrotizing fasciitis awareness day!

It is observed on May 31 since 2017. The awareness day provides resources to victims of the disease. It is less known among the masses. The mortality rate of this disease is 24% - 34%. We are hopeful; necrotizing fasciitis can be partly prevented through proper handwashing and adequate wound care.

Risk Factors!

As per the center of disease control, there are an estimated 9,000-11,500 cases of necrotizing fasciitis occur each year, having an outcome of 1,000-1,800 deaths yearly. Generally, it is too quick but it varies from case to case. When antibiotics cannot reach all of the infected area due to eaten tissues by bacteria, in such a situation to amputate the dead tissues/organ is essential to save the patient’s life.

Immunocompromised individuals with weak immune systems are more prone to get affected; it includes HIV and cancer patients, diabetic patients with penetrating injuries and advanced age.   Diabetic patients have compromised immune systems and statistics show diabetic individuals have a tendency to not heal up their wounds. Insects and animal bites in penetrating injuries.

Immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., prednisolone) are given in the organ transplant case which in turn increases the risk of infection. Immunosuppressive diseases e.g. peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus contributes to add more to infection.  Surgery, minor invasive procedures/precipitating events, cesarean surgery (traumatic), natural childbirth (non -traumatic), acupuncture, joints and intravenous drugs have been noticed as a risk factor.

Preventive Measures & advanced therapies!

Antibiotic therapy, surgical debridement and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) has significantly reduced the infection and wound morbidity rate. Studies showed HBO therapy for humans and animal inhibits exotoxin production, controls infection growth. Moreover, need to research is needed to monitor microbiologic causes, to enhance the diagnostic techniques as it would contribute to detect at earliest stage of disease. Stay tuned regarding severity besides removing dead tissues/organs.

Patients may need to have blood transfusion in some cases where whole body’s blood get infected with bacteria. Precautions like to keep clean all injuries, wounds with dry bandages until they heal. To take care of fungal infections, avoid spending time in natural water bodies in case of open wounds. There are no vaccines available for necrotizing fasciitis. If someone observes certain symptoms after injury or surgery, e.g., blisters, ulcers and black spots on the skin, pus, or changed color of the skin, should see a doctor.