Necrotizing fasciitis (NF), also known as flesh-eating disease, is an infection that results in the death of parts of the body's soft tissue. ^[3] It is a severe disease of sudden onset that spreads rapidly. ^[3] Symptoms usually include red or purple skin in the affected area, severe pain, fever, and vomiting. ^[3] The most commonly affected areas are the limbs and perineum. ^[2]

Typically, the infection enters the body through a break in the skin such as a cut or burn. ^[3] Risk factors include poor immune function such as from diabetes or cancer, obesity, alcoholism, intravenous drug use, and peripheral artery disease. ^{[2] [3]} It is not typically spread between people. ^[3] The disease is classified into four types, depending on the infecting organism. ^[4] Between 55 and 80% of cases involve more than one type of bacteria. ^[4] Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is involved in up to a third of cases. ^[4] Medical imaging is often helpful to confirm the diagnosis. ^[4]

Necrotizing fasciitis may be prevented with proper wound care and handwashing. ^[3] It is usually treated with surgery to remove the infected tissue, and intravenous antibiotics. ^{[2] [3]} Often, a combination of antibiotics is used, such as penicillin G, clindamycin, vancomycin, and gentamicin. ^[2] Delays in surgery are associated with a much higher risk of death. ^[4] Despite high-quality treatment, the risk of death is between 25 and 35%. ^[2]

Necrotizing fasciitis occurs in about 0.4 people per 100,000 per year in the US, and about 1 per 100,000 in Western Europe. ^[4] Both sexes are affected equally. ^[2] It becomes more common among older people and is rare in children. ^[4] It has been described at least since the time of Hippocrates. ^[2] The term "necrotizing fasciitis" first came into use in 1952. ^{[4] [7]}

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