Definition
A rapidly progressive, life-threatening soft-tissue infection involving fascia and subcutaneous tissues.
Clinical features
- Pain out of proportion to findings
- Rapid progression
- Swelling, erythema and systemic toxicity
- Skin discolouration, bullae or crepitus may develop late
Risk factors
- Diabetes
- Immunosuppression
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Penetrating trauma or surgery
Management
- Immediate resuscitation
- Broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics
- Urgent and aggressive surgical debridement
- Re-look debridement often required
- Critical care support
Key point
Do not delay debridement for imaging if the diagnosis is strongly suspected.
Diagram
