Necrotizing Fasciitis – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com
Thursday, June 14, 2018 by Ralph Flores
http://www.naturalpedia.com/necrotizing-fasciitis-causes-side-effects-and-treatments-at-naturalpedia-com.html
Necrotizing fasciitis refers to a serious skin condition that can rapidly progress and become fatal in a short amount of time. The term, which means causing “the death of tissues,” is commonly referred to as a “flesh-eating infection.” However, necrotizing fasciitis can be caused by more than one type of bacterium. These include group A Streptococcus (group A strep), Klebsiella, Clostridium, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Aeromonas hydrophila.
The condition is rare, as most infections are mild and can easily be treated; however, once it sets in, bacteria can spread quickly upon entering the body. They will then infect the fascia, a connective tissue that surrounds nerves, fat, muscles, and blood vessels, with some cases also affecting connective tissues. Other infections may produce toxins, which can destroy the affected tissue and may spread to other parts of the body. This can result in serious infection, and in most cases, the loss of life or limb.
Known risk factors and symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis
People with a healthy immune system and practice good hygiene have a low risk of getting necrotizing fasciitis. However, those with compromised immune systems or those with diabetes, kidney disease, and cancer have an increased risk.
Signs and symptoms of the disease can develop within hours or days. In some cases, their first signs may resemble less serious infections like gastroenteritis or the flu. However, if a wound is accompanied by a fever, chills, or vomiting, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests seeing a healthcare professional right away.
Other symptoms include:
- The presence of a small but painful cut or scratch on the skin
- A severe pain accompanying a skin damage
- Fever and flu-like symptoms
After a few hours, more serious conditions will appear, including:
- Swelling and redness in the affected area
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Dark blotches on the skin that become blisters
If these are left untreated, the infection can spread throughout the body and cause dizziness, weakness, and confusion.
Body systems affected by necrotizing fasciitis
Complications of necrotizing fasciitis are grim – with either death or loss of limb as frequent outcomes – even after appropriate treatment. In some cases, it can lead to sepsis, kidney failure, and extensive scarring.
Food items or nutrients that may prevent or relieve necrotizing fasciitis
There isn’t much information on diets that may prevent necrotizing fasciitis. However, there are some herbal extracts that can be used to address the condition. These include the following:
- Arrowroot
- Indian trumpet tree bark
- Tropical spiderwort
The extract was found to inhibit the growth of certain Staphylococcus strains.
Another combination, which is composed of turmeric, areca palm seed, Asian rice seed, and mangosteen was also able to prevent Staphylococcus growths by up to 40 percent.
Treatment and management options for necrotizing fasciitis
To increase a person’s chances of survival, treating the condition as early as possible is key. In most cases, healthcare professional will recommend surgery to control the infection, and antibiotic treatments to kill the causative pathogen. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is also recommended to aid the body’s natural healing process.
Where to learn more
- Warning signs that your wound might be infected with flesh-eating bacteria
- Boost your defenses against flesh-eating bacteria
- Cancer drug linked to flesh-eating disease
- Hospitals serving up flesh-eating bacteria?
- Stethoscopes Infected with Deadly Bacteria
Summary
Necrotizing fasciitis refers to a serious skin condition that can rapidly progress and become fatal in a short amount of time.
Necrotizing fasciitis can be caused by more than one type of bacterium.
Necrotizing fasciitis is rare, but, once it sets in, bacteria can spread quickly upon entering the body.
People with compromised immune systems or those with diabetes, kidney disease, and cancer have an increased risk of getting necrotizing fasciitis.
If a wound is accompanied by a fever, chills, or vomiting, it’s best to see a healthcare professional right away.
Complications of necrotizing fasciitis are grim – with either death or loss of limb as frequent outcomes – even after appropriate treatment.
Treating the necrotizing fasciitis as early as possible is key to increase a person’s chances of survival.
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