What Are the Consequences of Necrotizing Fasciitis?
As noted, necrotizing fasciitis is a progressive, often fatal, infection. Unfortunately, there may be no outward sign of the infection until it has progressed considerably. When skin changes are apparent, they reflect only a small amount of the underlying damage done to the fibrous membrane below the skin. There is likely to be extensive swelling and pain over the affected area. Discoloration is also likely; the skin may become reddish purple, then blue or brown. Blister-like areas may form, and grayish, foul-smelling fluid may seep from the skin. The skin may slip over the underlying tissue. Pressing on the affected area causes a crackling sound (crepitus), caused by the collection of gases underneath the skin. In four or five days, the skin may become gangrenous (yellow). As the tissue is destroyed, so are the nerves within it, and the area that was previously painful becomes numb. The skin may slough (separate from the underlying tissue) spontaneously if left untreated. As the bacte
