Flesh-eating bacteria has been in the news a lot today. First, there is the young woman who is just lost her leg after she suffered a cut on a zip line and is facing the amputation of her fingers, and then there is the South Carolina (SC) woman, a new mom of twins who first noticed a strange spot on the back of her leg that has her now fighting for her life. But what is flesh-eating bacteria, and how can we prevent such a tragedy from happening in our own families?
Just the name flesh-eating bacteria is enough to give us chills. The reality of it isn’t much better. The bacteria emits toxins that shut off the blood supply to your flesh, including muscle and underlying tissue, and causes it to die. If it enters the blood stream, it can be fatal.
Flesh-eating bacteria has another name: Necrotizing Fasciitis. The condition is very rare, but it does occur, as we have seen. There are different types of bacteria that can cause the condition which happens when the bacteria enters the body through what is usually a minor cut or scrape. It can spread rapidly throughout the body, and changes can be seen in as little time as an hour. Immediate treatment is needed to prevent death.
Because the bacteria enters through wounds and cuts or even through weakened skin, such as with a bruise, keeping the skin in tact is the best way to prevent the disease. Those at the greatest risk are people who already have chronic illnesses, such as cancer or diabetes. While the bacteria responsible is usually found in tainted water, this is not always the case.
Washing your hands frequently and treating cuts and wounds, even paper cuts, by cleaning them and applying an antibacterial ointment immediately are good solid practices to prevent any kind of infection, including those caused by flesh-eating bacteria.
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