Overview

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare infection that kills skin, fat, and muscles. It is also called "flesh-eating" bacteria. It usually affects the legs and arms. It can cause scarring and can lead to amputation and death.

This condition is treated in a hospital. Treatment includes antibiotics and supportive care. Surgery is usually needed to remove dead or infected tissue, stop the spread of infection, and repair damage. Sometimes people are placed in a chamber with high levels of oxygen. This is called a hyperbaric chamber. It helps the tissue heal.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Take your medicine exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Most people who get this condition are in good health before they get infected. You can lower your risk of infection by giving proper care to skin wounds.
  • Keep all wounds clean. This includes cuts, burns, sores, and bites.
  • If you strain a muscle or sprain a joint and get a fever, chills, and severe pain, seek medical care right away. These may be signs of deep soft tissue infection.
  • If you have severe pain and swelling and a fever, do not treat these with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. These medicines may keep you from seeing a doctor quickly when you really need to.