Flesh eating disease, medically known as necrotizing fasciitis, is a rare but serious bacterial infection that destroys the soft tissue beneath the skin. It can progress rapidly and requires immediate medical attention. But how exactly can you get flesh eating disease? Let’s break down the causes, how it spreads, risk factors, and what you can do to protect yourself.
What Is Flesh Eating Disease?
Necrotizing fasciitis is an infection that attacks the fascia, which is the connective tissue surrounding muscles, nerves, fat, and blood vessels. Despite the scary nickname, the bacteria don’t literally “eat” flesh but release toxins that cause tissue death and severe damage. If untreated, it can lead to shock, organ failure, and even death within a day or two.
How Do You Get Flesh Eating Disease?
The bacteria causing necrotizing fasciitis usually enter the body through a break in the skin. This can be any kind of wound, including:
– Minor cuts and scrapes
– Surgical wounds
– Puncture wounds
– Burns
– Insect bites
– Abrasions
– Wounds exposed to seawater or freshwater
– Contact with raw or undercooked seafood, especially oysters
The most common culprit is Group A Streptococcus (GAS), the same bacteria that cause strep throat. Other bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio vulnificus (found in seawater), Klebsiella, and Escherichia coli can also cause this infection.
How Does the Infection Spread?
Once bacteria enter through the skin, they multiply quickly and release toxins that destroy tissue and impair blood flow. The infection spreads rapidly along the fascia, causing severe pain, swelling, redness, and tissue death. Sometimes, the infection starts from a seemingly minor injury or even no obvious wound at all.
Necrotizing fasciitis rarely spreads from person to person. The main risk is bacteria entering through skin breaks, not casual contact.
Who Is at Risk?
While anyone can get flesh eating disease, certain factors increase the risk:
– Weakened immune system due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or medications that suppress immunity
– Chronic diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, or kidney disease
– Recent surgery or trauma
– Close contact with someone infected with GAS-caused necrotizing fasciitis
– Chickenpox in children (rarely)
People with these risk factors should be especially careful with wounds and seek prompt medical care if infection signs develop.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Early symptoms can resemble less serious infections but worsen quickly. Watch for:
– Severe pain and tenderness around a wound or injury
– Redness and swelling that spreads rapidly
– Skin that feels hot to touch
– Fever and chills
– Skin discoloration, turning purplish or black as tissue dies
– Blisters or oozing pus
– Fatigue or weakness
If you notice these signs, especially with a recent wound, seek emergency medical care immediately.
How to Prevent Flesh Eating Disease
Prevention focuses on protecting your skin and wounds from infection:
– Clean all cuts, scrapes, and wounds thoroughly with soap and water
– Keep wounds covered with clean, dry bandages
– Avoid exposing open wounds to seawater, freshwater, or raw seafood
– Practice good hygiene when handling raw seafood
– Seek prompt medical attention for infected wounds or if symptoms worsen
– Manage chronic health conditions and maintain a strong immune system
Treatment Overview
Necrotizing fasciitis requires urgent treatment. Doctors typically perform surgery to remove dead tissue and administer strong intravenous antibiotics. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to improve survival chances.
Flesh eating disease is rare but serious. It usually starts when bacteria enter through a skin wound. Keeping wounds clean and seeking quick medical care for infections can greatly reduce your risk. Stay informed and protect your skin to stay safe.