What You Need to Know About Flesh-Eating Bacteria

What You Need to Know About Flesh-Eating Bacteria Tampa FLReports of flesh-eating bacteria (necrotizing fasciitis) are on the rise. This sounds scary – should you be concerned? According to many experts, the increase in flesh-eating bacteria infections is not necessarily unusual given the current ocean water temperatures, which are very warm. The bacteria responsible for necrotizing fasciitis (Vibrio vulnificus) thrive in saltwater at temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why the microbes are often found in Florida and other states on the Gulf Coast in the summertime.

Necrotizing fasciitis is still relatively uncommon and seldom contagious. Even so, if you swim in seawater or brackish water ─ or otherwise spend time on a beach ─ it’s important to learn how to protect yourself. You should also learn about and be watchful for signs of a tissue-destroying infection so you can seek prompt medical attention, if necessary.

What Are the Symptoms of Necrotizing Fasciitis?

Flesh-eating bacteria can enter your body through a break in your skin, such as cut, scrape, blister, or insect bite. Aside from some mild swelling and redness around the wound, you may not immediately notice any signs of injury. However, the damage occurring underneath your skin can be quite extensive. Once inside your body, the harmful bacteria may attack and destroy your skin, the fat beneath your skin’s surface, and the thin tissue that encloses your muscles and organs (fasciae).

Necrotizing fasciitis can be challenging to diagnose because it often produces symptoms that are very similar to those of other conditions and infections. Some early symptoms include:

  • Skin swelling and redness that spreads quickly
  • Severe pain around the swollen, red skin
  • Fever

Over time, other symptoms may develop, such as:

  • Changes in skin color
  • Ulcers, blisters, or black spots on the skin
  • Pus or oozing from the infected area
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea or diarrhea

Because a tissue-destroying infection can spread very rapidly, it is important for an infected person to seek professional medical attention as soon as possible. In most cases, treatment involves a course of antibiotics. However, in severe cases, surgery may be required to remove unhealthy tissues and prevent the infection from spreading further.

How to Protect Yourself

If you have an open wound or skin infection, be sure to care for it properly and avoid hot tubs, swimming pools, and natural bodies of water, such as lakes and oceans. Also, you might want to wear sandals in the water to help protect your feet from cuts. In general, the risk of contracting a tissue-destroying infection is very low; however, children, older adults, and people with a weakened immune system are more susceptible.

If you have questions about flesh-eating bacteria, the team at South Tampa Immediate Care has answers. Contact us or stop by today.