Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening soft tissue infection caused by a toxin-producing bacterium, characterized by widespread fascial necrosis and relative sparing of underlying muscle. It is also referred to as the "flesh-eating bacteria" because it causes the death of tissues in the affected area.
People with necrotizing fasciitis feel much worse than suggested by their clinical appearance and may demonstrate systemic signs of sepsis including fever, dehydration, hypotension, and electrolyte imbalance. Necrotizing fasciitis is a medical emergency, requiring immediate treatment with antibiotics and surgical debridement to remove the infected tissue.
