From the outbreak of flesh-eating bacteria in Japan Recently, more than 500 people were infected, causing many people to worry. What are the symptoms of flesh-eating bacteria? Where did the cause come from? And will we be able to prevent it?
Causes of flesh-eating bacteria
Flesh-eating bacteria or gangrene, or its medical name is necrotizing fasciitis, is a severe bacterial infection of the deep layers of the skin. From the epidermis layer, dermis layer, subcutaneous fat layer. to the muscle tissue layer Causes the death of tissue in the area of infection. and may spread to other parts of the body Although this disease is generally found rarely But there is a lot of violence. Patients have a high chance of death or disability from the disease if they do not receive appropriate treatment urgently.
Causes of flesh-eating bacteria It is often caused by walking barefoot, wading through mud, being hit by shells or sticks, or broken glass. Bacteria can enter the body through the skin or bloodstream through cuts, abrasions, scratches, insect bites, and burns. Burns using a syringe or surgical wound If the wound is not taken care of well May cause infection.
Even a small insect bite can cause flesh-eating bacteria. (Image from iStock)
Symptoms of flesh-eating bacteria
- There is severe pain, swelling, redness, and heat in the skin.
- The redness and swelling will spread quickly.
- There may also be blisters.
- Later, the color of the skin begins to turn purple and necrosis occurs.
- After the tissue dies, the patient may experience numbness instead of pain.
- Often accompanied by high fever and bacterial infection in the bloodstream.
- Patients may go into shock and have decreased function of various organs such as the kidneys, liver, etc.
- Infections are often found in the arms and legs.
Groups at risk for flesh-eating bacteria
Flesh-eating bacteria can occur in people of all genders and ages. But it is often found in the following groups of people.
- Elderly people
- Farmers who don’t wear shoes There were wounds on the body and dirt had been ingested.
- Group of people who use steroids
- Group of skin patients May occur after being sick with chickenpox.
- Groups of people with congenital diseases such as alcoholism, drug addiction, liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, immunodeficiency, tuberculosis, etc.
- Groups of people who have minor wounds and do not clean and care for their wounds well. or incorrectly until the infection spreads
In addition to the symptoms that cause great pain and suffering to the patient, Bacterial infections deep in the muscle tissue result in a mortality rate of 17-49%, depending on the patient’s underlying disease and the area of infection. If the patient has low immunity or diabetes. Cirrhosis causes a high risk of infection and the infection can spread quickly. Areas of infection that are very wide or deep will cause the patient to have a higher death rate.
How to treat and prevent flesh-eating bacteria disease
Patients with flesh-eating bacteria should see a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment with surgery to remove as much dead or infected tissue as possible. along with surgery to drain out the pus and cut off dead tissue Because if the infection is severe, that organ may need to be removed. Leaving it there will cause complications that may put patients with severe symptoms at risk for blood infections or organ failure, which can lead to death.
flesh-eating bacterial disease You should see a doctor for urgent treatment. Because if left untreated, the infection will spread to the point where the organ must be amputated. or may die from infection (Image from iStock)
Surviving patients may also have scars or deformed limbs from the treatment. Therefore, hurrying to get treatment at the hospital from the first stage of infection will help reduce the loss of organs and reduce the death rate of the patient. As for the prevention of flesh-eating bacteria disease This can be done in the following ways.
- Prevent and be careful not to cause accidents and injuries from contact with dirty environments.
- If there is a wound on the skin Avoid contact with dirty environments.
- If you touch it or have an accident, it causes a wound. The wound should be cleaned immediately with clean water or soap. You should not use a needle or cut the wound yourself. This is because unclean equipment will promote more infections.
- If there is a wound, pain, swelling, or redness on the skin or have a fever, hurry and see a doctor for immediate diagnosis and treatment.
- Patients with low immunity, diabetes, and liver cirrhosis are at high risk of infection and must therefore be especially careful.
However, flesh-eating bacteria It is a rare disease. If the body is healthy and has a normal immune system And there is great care and attention to keeping the body clean. Especially when receiving a wound There is a low risk of getting this disease. But if you have similar symptoms and are unsure, hurry to see a doctor as soon as possible for treatment.
References: Phyathai Hospital, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Mahidol University, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Association of Thailand
2024-03-29 22:30:00
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