How does the flesh-eating bacteria work?

How does the flesh-eating bacteria work?

When people develop necrotizing fasciitis, it’s usually because Group A strep already on their skin get inside a wound after an injury or surgery, though a needle prick or blister could be enough. From there, the bacteria quickly start destroying skin, fat and muscle, and eventually work their way into the bloodstream.

Does flesh-eating bacteria actually eat flesh?

The bacteria don’t actually “eat” flesh. Instead, they release toxins that destroy tissue. This results in widespread, rapid tissue death.

Where does a flesh-eating bacteria come from?

Most commonly, people become infected with the bacteria by eating raw and undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters. Others encounter the bacteria through open wounds while swimming in infected waters.

How long does it take for flesh-eating bacteria to spread?

Another characteristic of necrotizing fasciitis is that the symptoms develop very rapidly, usually within 24 hours after a wound in the skin has allowed the bacteria to invade the tissues beneath the skin.

How long does it take for flesh-eating bacteria to show?

Flesh-Eating Bacteria Symptoms The early symptoms of an infection with flesh-eating bacteria usually appear within the first 24 hours of infection. Symptoms are similar to other conditions like the flu or a less serious skin infection.

How fast does flesh-eating bacteria spread?

Necrotizing fasciitis (neck-roe-tie-zing fa-shee-eye-tis) is more commonly known as “flesh-eating disease”. It is a very severe bacterial infection that spreads quickly through the tissue (flesh) surrounding the muscles. In some cases death can occur within 12 to 24 hours.

How does necrotizing fasciitis spread through the body?

The bacteria that cause necrotizing fasciitis can be passed from person to person through close contact, such as touching the wound of the infected person. But this rarely happens unless the person who is exposed to the bacteria has an open wound, chickenpox, or an impaired immune system.

Can skin necrosis heal on its own?

If you only have a small amount of skin necrosis, it might heal on its own or your doctor may trim away some of the dead tissue and treat the area with basic wound care in a minor procedure setting. Some doctors also treat skin necrosis with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).