Necrotizing Fasciitis Quiz
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Redness of the skin
Have a fever
Muscle pain in the limbs when pressed or squeezed
There are blisters
Swelling of the affected area
Red spots on skin
My body is hot
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Necrotizing Fasciitis?
This is a serious and potentially fatal bacterial infection that affects the deeper layers of the skin. Patients with poorly managed diabetes and a weak immune system are at a higher risk.
Typical Symptoms of Necrotizing Fasciitis
- Fever
- Blisters on the skin
- Swelling in the affected area
- Muscle pain in the limbs when pressed or squeezed
- Skin problems
- Pain or discomfort in arms or legs
- History of diabetes or pre-diabetes
- Redness, bumps, or irritation on the skin
Diagnostic Questions for Necrotizing Fasciitis
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you have a fever?
- Do you have any blisters on your skin?
- Do you have swelling in the affected area?
- Do you feel pain in your arm and leg when they are grasped?
- Do you have any skin problems
Treatment of Necrotizing Fasciitis
This requires urgent medical care for early surgery and powerful injectable antibiotics. Sometimes, multiple surgeries are needed to control the infection.
Reviewed By:
Maxwell J. Nanes, DO (Emergency Medicine)
Dr Nanes received a doctorate from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and went on to complete a residency in emergency medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. There he trained at Froedtert Hospital and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in the practice of adult and pediatric emergency medicine. He was a chief resident and received numerous awards for teaching excellence during his time there. | | After residency he took a job at a community hospital where he and his colleagues worked through the toughest days of the COVID-19 pandemic. |
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
Content updated on Feb 13, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Swollen area
- Recurrent fevers
- Squeezing the muscles of the arms or legs causes pain
- Lip blister
- Periodic fever (>100.4°F / 38°C)
- Rashes
- Fever then no fever then fever again
- Painful blisters
- Remittent fever of 102.2°F / 39°C
- Extremely high fever of 106.7°F / 41.5°C or higher
- Clear liquid in a blister
- Fever of 100.4°F / 38°C or more for weeks
- Stomach was uncomfortable, then had a fever
- Leg rash
- Shingles-like rash on the skin
See full list
Symptoms Related to Necrotizing Fasciitis
Diseases Related to Necrotizing Fasciitis
FAQs
Q.
Can flesh-eating bacteria spread from person to person?
A.
Flesh-eating bacteria, or necrotizing fasciitis, is not typically spread from person to person. It often starts from bacteria entering the body through a cut or wound.
References:
Hsieh WS, Yang PH, Chao HC, & Lai JY. (1999). Neonatal necrotizing fasciitis: a report of three cases and .... Pediatrics, 10103345.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10103345/
Derrick CW Jr, & Reilly K. (1983). The role of cephalexin in the treatment of skin and soft .... Postgraduate medical journal, 6364089.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6364089/
Baumgardner DJ. (2012). Soil-related bacterial and fungal infections. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine : JABFM, 22956709.
Q.
Can you get flesh-eating bacteria from fresh water?
A.
Yes, flesh-eating bacteria can be found in fresh water, but it is rare.
References:
Rossi F, Santonicola S, Amadoro C, Marino L, & Colavita G. (2023). Recent Records on Bacterial Opportunistic Infections via .... Microorganisms, 38257896.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38257896/
Love DC, Lovelace GL, & Sobsey MD. (2010). Removal of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus fecalis .... International journal of food microbiology, 20864199.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20864199/
Cetron MS, Chitsulo L, Sullivan JJ, Pilcher J, Wilson M, Noh J, et al. (1996). Schistosomiasis in Lake Malawi. Lancet (London, England), 8909380.
Q.
Do you need an open wound to get flesh-eating bacteria?
A.
You usually need an open wound to get flesh-eating bacteria, as these bacteria often enter through cuts or sores.
References:
Mphande AN, Killowe C, Phalira S, Jones HW, & Harrison WJ. (2007). Effects of honey and sugar dressings on wound healing. Journal of wound care, 17708384.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17708384/
Baumgardner DJ. (2012). Soil-related bacterial and fungal infections. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine : JABFM, 22956709.
Q.
How can I protect myself from flesh-eating bacteria?
A.
To protect yourself from flesh-eating bacteria, avoid exposure to contaminated water and maintain good hygiene, especially if you have cuts or wounds.
References:
Williams LB, Haydel SE, Giese RF, & Eberl DD. (2008). CHEMICAL AND MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS .... Clays and clay minerals, 19079803.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19079803/
Park SD, Shon HS, & Joh NJ. (1991). Vibrio vulnificus septicemia in Korea: clinical and .... Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2061435.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2061435/
May J, Chan CH, King A, Williams L, & French GL. (2000). Time-kill studies of tea tree oils on clinical isolates. The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy, 10797086.
Q.
How do you catch flesh-eating bacteria?
A.
Flesh-eating bacteria, or necrotizing fasciitis, can be caught through cuts or wounds that come into contact with certain bacteria, often found in soil.
References:
Baumgardner DJ. (2012). Soil-related bacterial and fungal infections. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine : JABFM, 22956709.
Q.
How quickly does flesh-eating bacteria kill?
A.
Flesh-eating bacteria can be very dangerous and can lead to death quickly, sometimes within a few days, if not treated promptly.
References:
Henrich DE, Smith TL, & Shockley WW. (1995). Fatal craniocervical necrotizing fasciitis in an .... Head & neck, 7672978.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7672978/
Farah R, & Asla H. (2016). [NECROTIZING FASCIITIS OF THE CHEST WALL]. Harefuah, 27323534.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27323534/
Park SD, Shon HS, & Joh NJ. (1991). Vibrio vulnificus septicemia in Korea: clinical and .... Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2061435.
Q.
What antibiotics treat flesh-eating bacteria?
A.
Flesh-eating bacteria, also known as necrotizing fasciitis, can be treated with certain antibiotics, such as those effective against streptococcal and Staphylococcus aureus infections.
References:
García-Casares E, Mateo Soria L, García-Melchor E, Riera Alonso E, Olivé Marqués A, Holgado Pérez S, et al. (2010). Necrotizing fasciitis and myositis caused by streptococcal .... Journal of clinical rheumatology : practical reports on rheumatic & musculoskeletal diseases, 21085016.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21085016/
Abolnik IZ, & Sexton DJ. (1994). Necrotizing fasciitis and myositis caused by group A .... North Carolina medical journal, 7800056.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7800056/
Cheng NC, Wang JT, Chang SC, Tai HC, & Tang YB. (2011). Necrotizing fasciitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Annals of plastic surgery, 21407055.
Q.
What are the early signs of flesh-eating bacteria?
A.
Early signs of flesh-eating bacteria, or necrotizing fasciitis, include redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area, which can quickly worsen.
References:
Hua J, & Friedlander P. (2023). Cervical Necrotizing Fasciitis, Diagnosis and Treatment .... Ear, nose, & throat journal, 33570428.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33570428/
Yu KH, Ho HH, Chen JY, & Luo SF. (2004). Gout complicated with necrotizing fasciitis--report of 15 cases. Rheumatology (Oxford, England), 14722350.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14722350/
Swaminath D, Narayanan R, Orellana-Barrios MA, & Temple B. (2014). Necrotizing fasciitis of the nose complicated with .... Case reports in infectious diseases, 24876978.
Q.
What are the serious complications of flesh-eating bacteria?
A.
Flesh-eating bacteria can lead to severe complications like tissue death, organ failure, and even death if not treated quickly.
References:
Light TD, Choi KC, Thomsen TA, Skeete DA, Latenser BA, Born JM, et al. (2010). Long-term outcomes of patients with necrotizing fasciitis. Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association, 20061842.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20061842/
Mudhol RR, Lingamaneni S, Sheelin S, & Vallabha A. (2024). Enterococcus necrotising fasciitis of the face after minor .... BMJ case reports, 39694659.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39694659/
Nagayama J, Sato T, Takanori I, Kouji K, & Mitsunobu N. (2024). Necrotising fasciitis with extensive necrosis caused by .... BMC infectious diseases, 38649870.
Q.
What are the signs of flesh-eating bacteria infection?
A.
Flesh-eating bacteria infection, also known as necrotizing fasciitis, often starts with sudden pain and swelling, and the skin may turn red or purple. It can quickly lead to severe illness, so it's important to seek medical help right away if these signs appear.
References:
García-Casares E, Mateo Soria L, García-Melchor E, Riera Alonso E, Olivé Marqués A, Holgado Pérez S, et al. (2010). Necrotizing fasciitis and myositis caused by streptococcal .... Journal of clinical rheumatology : practical reports on rheumatic & musculoskeletal diseases, 21085016.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21085016/
Stevens DL. (1999). The flesh-eating bacterium: what's next?. The Journal of infectious diseases, 10081509.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10081509/
Quirk WF Jr, & Sternbach G. (1996). Joseph Jones: infection with flesh eating bacteria. The Journal of emergency medicine, 8969999.
Q.
What is necrotizing fasciitis caused by flesh-eating bacteria?
A.
Necrotizing fasciitis is a serious infection where bacteria destroy skin and tissue, often caused by Vibrio vulnificus. It spreads quickly and needs urgent medical care.
References:
Kuo YL, Shieh SJ, Chiu HY, & Lee JW. (2007). Necrotizing fasciitis caused by Vibrio vulnificus. European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases : official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology, 17674061.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17674061/
Fujisawa N, Yamada H, Kohda H, Tadano J, & Hayashi S. (1998). Necrotizing fasciitis caused by Vibrio vulnificus differs from .... The Journal of infection, 9661943.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9661943/
Myers CM, Miller JJ, & Davis WD. (2019). Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: A Case of Necrotizing .... Advanced emergency nursing journal, 31687996.
Q.
What is the survival rate for flesh-eating bacteria infection?
A.
The survival rate for necrotizing fasciitis, or flesh-eating bacteria infection, can vary, but it is generally serious with significant risk of death.
References:
Light TD, Choi KC, Thomsen TA, Skeete DA, Latenser BA, Born JM, et al. (2010). Long-term outcomes of patients with necrotizing fasciitis. Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association, 20061842.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20061842/
Cheng NC, Wang JT, Chang SC, Tai HC, & Tang YB. (2011). Necrotizing fasciitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Annals of plastic surgery, 21407055.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21407055/
Legbo JN, & Shehu BB. (2005). Necrotizing fasciitis: a comparative analysis of 56 cases. Journal of the National Medical Association, 16396062.
Q.
What is Vibrio vulnificus bacteria?
A.
Vibrio vulnificus is a type of bacteria found in warm seawater that can cause severe illness in humans, especially if it enters through cuts or is ingested with contaminated seafood.
References:
Heng SP, Letchumanan V, Deng CY, Ab Mutalib NS, Khan TM, Chuah LH, et al. (2017). Vibrio vulnificus: An Environmental and Clinical Burden. Frontiers in microbiology, 28620366.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28620366/
Baker-Austin C, & Oliver JD. (2018). Vibrio vulnificus: new insights into a deadly opportunistic .... Environmental microbiology, 29027375.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29027375/
Candelli M, Sacco Fernandez M, Triunfo C, Piccioni A, Ojetti V, Franceschi F, & Pignataro G. (2025). Vibrio vulnificus-A Review with a Special Focus on Sepsis. Microorganisms, 39858896.
Q.
What should I do if I think I have flesh-eating bacteria?
A.
If you think you have flesh-eating bacteria, it is important to seek medical help immediately, as it can be very serious.
References:
Quirk WF Jr, & Sternbach G. (1996). Joseph Jones: infection with flesh eating bacteria. The Journal of emergency medicine, 8969999.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8969999/
Yu KH, Ho HH, Chen JY, & Luo SF. (2004). Gout complicated with necrotizing fasciitis--report of 15 cases. Rheumatology (Oxford, England), 14722350.
Q.
Where is flesh-eating bacteria found in water?
A.
Flesh-eating bacteria, which can cause severe infections, are often found in water environments, particularly in warm coastal waters.
References:
Quirk WF Jr, & Sternbach G. (1996). Joseph Jones: infection with flesh eating bacteria. The Journal of emergency medicine, 8969999.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8969999/
García-Casares E, Mateo Soria L, García-Melchor E, Riera Alonso E, Olivé Marqués A, Holgado Pérez S, et al. (2010). Necrotizing fasciitis and myositis caused by streptococcal .... Journal of clinical rheumatology : practical reports on rheumatic & musculoskeletal diseases, 21085016.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21085016/
Madiyal M, Eshwara VK, Halim I, Stanley W, Prabhu M, & Mukhopadhyay C. (2016). A rare glimpse into the morbid world of necrotising fasciitis. Indian journal of medical microbiology, 27514968.
Q.
Who is most at risk for severe flesh-eating bacteria infection?
A.
People most at risk for severe flesh-eating bacteria infections are those with weakened immune systems or existing health problems.
References:
Quirk WF Jr, & Sternbach G. (1996). Joseph Jones: infection with flesh eating bacteria. The Journal of emergency medicine, 8969999.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8969999/
Rossi F, Santonicola S, Amadoro C, Marino L, & Colavita G. (2023). Recent Records on Bacterial Opportunistic Infections via .... Microorganisms, 38257896.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38257896/
Baumgardner DJ. (2012). Soil-related bacterial and fungal infections. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine : JABFM, 22956709.
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Shetty, D., Desai, A., & Kumar, N. (2022). Necrotizing fasciitis of the face: The flesh eating catastrophic malady. Malta Medical Journal.
http://www.mmsjournals.org/index.php/mmj/article/view/495Torjesen, I. (2018). Epidemic of flesh eating tropical ulcers hits Australia. BMJ: British Medical Journal (Online).
https://search.proquest.com/openview/abe08cad10123d418f3998435a31aead/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=2043523Mondragon-Shem, K., & Acosta-Serrano, A. (2016). Cutaneous leishmaniasis: The truth about the 'Flesh-Eating Disease' in Syria. Trends in Parasitology.
https://www.cell.com/trends/parasitology/fulltext/S1471-4922(16)00045-3