necrotizing fasciitis

noun

: a severe soft tissue infection that is caused by bacteria (such as Group A streptococci or MRSA) and is marked by edema and necrosis of subcutaneous tissues with involvement of adjacent fascia and by painful red swollen skin over affected areas

If the infection occurred on the skin or underlying tissue as through a cut, necrotizing fasciitis could develop, literally eating away deep muscle and other soft tissue, eventually causing organ failure and death.

—Shannon Thompkins

called also flesh-eating disease

Examples of necrotizing fasciitis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, everything changed for the 10-year-old in March when she was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis in her face, a flesh-eating bacterial infection that affects the tissue under the skin. —Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 12 June 2024

The list of potential culprits includes group A Streptococcus, which is not only a common type of bacteria generally but is also thought to be a common cause of necrotizing fasciitis. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 12 June 2023

If identified promptly, necrotizing fasciitis can be treated with antibiotics and surgery, sometimes including amputation. —Gabrielle M. Etzel, Washington Examiner, 17 Aug. 2023

Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, necrotizing fasciitis is a flesh-eating disease caused by a rare bacterial infection, which develops after bacteria enters the body through cuts, scrapes, burns or insect bites. —Zoe G Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

necrotizing fasciitis

noun

: a severe infection of soft tissue that is caused by bacteria (such as Group A streptococci or MRSA) and is marked by edema and necrosis of subcutaneous tissue with involvement of adjacent fascia and by painful red swollen skin over affected areas

On incision, clues such as fat necrosis … and thrombosis of subcutaneous veins … would suggest necrotizing fasciitis.

—Michael R. Filbin et al., The New England Journal of Medicine

If the infection occurred on the skin or underlying tissue as through a cut, necrotizing fasciitis could develop, literally eating away deep muscle and other soft tissue, eventually causing organ failure and death.

—Shannon Tompkins, The Houston Chronicle

called also flesh-eating disease

Note: Necrotizing fasciitis usually occurs as a complication of surgery, injury, or infection by extension from the initially affected site.