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Necrotizing fasciitis is a very serious illness that requires care in a hospital. Antibiotics and surgery are typically the first lines of defense if a doctor suspects a patient has necrotizing fasciitis. Since necrotizing fasciitis can spread so rapidly, patients often must get surgery done very quickly. Doctors also give antibiotics through a needle into a vein IV antibiotics to try to stop the infection.

Sometimes, however, antibiotics cannot reach all of the infected areas because the bacteria have killed too much tissue and reduced blood flow. When this happens, doctors have to surgically remove the dead tissue. It is not unusual for someone with necrotizing fasciitis to end up needing multiple surgeries. In serious cases, the patient may need a blood transfusion. There are many infections that look similar to necrotizing fasciitis in the early stages, which can make diagnosis difficult.

In addition to looking at the injury or infection, doctors can diagnose necrotizing fasciitis by:. However, it is important to start treatment as soon as possible. Therefore, doctors may not wait for test results if they think a patient might have necrotizing fasciitis. Necrotizing fasciitis can lead to sepsis , shock, and organ failure.

It can also result in life-long complications from loss of limbs or severe scarring due to surgically removing infected tissue.

You also may need X-rays , a CT scan , or an MRI to look for injury to your organs or to find out how much the infection has spread. Early treatment of necrotizing fasciitis is critical. The sooner treatment begins, the more likely you will recover from the infection and avoid serious complications, such as limb amputation or death. You may be treated in the intensive care unit ICU at the hospital. Necrotizing fasciitis is very rare. Bacteria that cause the disease usually don't cause infection unless they enter the body through a cut or other break in the skin.

If you have been in close contact with someone who has necrotizing fasciitis, your doctor may give you an antibiotic to help reduce your chances of getting the infection.

If you notice any symptoms of infection such as pain, swelling, redness, or fever after you've been in close contact with someone who has necrotizing fasciitis, see your doctor right away. To help prevent any kind of infection, wash your hands often. And always keep cuts, scrapes, burns, sores, and bites clean. Current as of: September 23, Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

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Necrotising fasciitis can start from a relatively minor injury, such as a small cut, but gets worse very quickly and can be life threatening if it's not recognised and treated early on. They may not be obvious at first and can be similar to less serious conditions, such as flu , gastroenteritis or cellulitis. If left untreated, the infection can spread quickly through the body and cause symptoms such as dizziness , weakness and confusion.

Blood tests and scans may be carried out to find out what's causing your symptoms, although a diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis can usually only be confirmed by having an operation to examine the affected tissue.

People with necrotising fasciitis often need to be looked after in an intensive care unit and may need to stay in hospital for several weeks.

While in hospital, they may be isolated from other patients to reduce the risk of spreading the infection. Necrotising fasciitis can progress very quickly and lead to serious problems, such as blood poisoning sepsis and organ failure.

Sometimes, doctors need to amputate an infected limb to stop the infection from spreading, the CDC says. Proper wound care can help prevent bacterial skin infections such as necrotizing fasciitis, according to the CDC. People are advised to clean all minor cuts with soap and water; cover open wounds with clean, dry bandages until they heal; and see a doctor for puncture wounds and other deep or serious wounds.

Rachael has been with Live Science since She also holds a B. Live Science.