4.+Treatment+and+Prevention

​ The main treatment for necrotizing fasciitis is antibiotic IV therapy and aggressive debridement (removal) of affected tissue which must be done in a hospital. Other treatments may be done depending upon the level of toxicity and whether or not organ failure has occurred. Other treatments that may be used include medications to raise blood pressure, blood, and a new medicine called intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). A hyperbaric oxygen chamber may be used in certain cases involving a mixed bacterial infection. In hyperbaric treatments, the pure oxygen kills the strep bacteria. It also allows for the oxygen to get into your bloodstream which will assist in ridding of the bacteria. The pressure when entering the chamber is similar to that of your ears popping in an airplaine. That pressure can force some of the edema from the wound which will help to drain bacteria in the blood and pus.  The result can be anything from minimal scars to death. For the lucky people that survive, there is almost always some removal of skin required. This often requires skin grafting. Amputation is sometimes necessary to remove the affected limb. Necrotizing fasciitis has taken legs, hands, fingers, toes, and arms in order to save the life of patients. The video below shows a survivor with a large scar.

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The most important thing in preventing death and disfigurement from necrotizing fasciitis is prompt diagnosis. There isn't anything that will for sure prevent it. Necrotizing fasciitis is an opportunistic bacteria. It needs only a very small opening in the skin to allow the bacteria to enter. However, these are some things that you can do to decrease the risk: 1. Try to keep skin from being damaged 2. Keep skin clean. Make sure to always wash any places where skin has been damaged and also apply antibiotic ointment. 3. Be sure that your kids understand the importance of being clean. 4. Be respectful to others. If you have a strep infection such as strep throat or have been exposed to someone that does, make sure that you are careful not to transmit it to someone else.

Many cases of necrotizing fasciitis are misdiagnosed as the early symptoms appear to be several other disorders. Many emergency rooms may never have seen a case of necrotizing fasciitis so they don't even consider it until the patient is extremely ill.

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