NECROTIZING FASCIITIS AWARENESS DAY

NECROTIZING FASCIITIS AWARENESS DAY

Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Day on May 31 shines a light on a rare disease that  affects the soft tissues of the skin. We also learn about why it's important to treat  necrotizing fasciitis appropriately and immediately to avoid rapid spread of the disease.

#NecrotizingFasciitisAwarenessDay

Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Day offers more than information to help prevent this skin infection. The entire day encourages support and provides resources to those who have been affected by the disease.

What is necrotizing fasciitis?

Necrotizing fasciitis is rare skin disease. It is most commonly believed to be caused by group A Streptococcus, which is why recognizing the symptoms quickly and getting treatment can mean the difference between life and death.

Necrotizing fasciitis can affect everyone, including healthy people. A small cut can happen to anyone and become infected with this bacteria. In fact, bacteria can enter  the body through other wounds, too. Burns, bites, punctures, and even surgical incisions may be areas of entry for the bacteria.

Like many skin infections, necrotizing fasciitis may start off seeming minor. The skin might be warm to the touch near the injury. It might even be tender. The rest of your body may ache with symptoms similar to the flu, including a fever. However, these minor symptoms can develop and change quickly. Fatigue, changes in the color of your skin, dizziness, and oozing from the infected area are just a few of the symptoms to watch for.

It's important to contact your physician any time you have a concerning injury. Follow your doctor's instructions after surgery, too. They provide contact information for follow up care, including any risk of infection.

HOW TO OBSERVE NECROTIZING FASCITIS AWARENESS DAY

Visit necfasc.org for valuable information, donate and help save lives from this devastating condition. Use #NecrotizingFasciitisAwarenessDay to spread awareness on social media.

NECROTIZING FASCIITIS AWARENESS DAY HISTORY

Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Day has been observed on May 31st since 2017.