What is necrotizing fasciitis?
A person with necrotizing fasciitis has a life-threatening bacterial infection of the tissues that lie beneath the skin. The infection spreads rapidly, destroying the tissue, and can eventually cause sepsis. Most cases of necrotizing fasciitis are caused by common bacteria that infect the skin, called group A streptococcus.

What are the symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis?
Symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis include skin swelling, skin redness, skin blisters, severe pain, fever, weakness, and fatigue. Pus may also drain from the skin.

How does the doctor treat necrotizing fasciitis?
Treatment for necrotizing fasciitis includes intravenous fluids, antibiotics, narcotic pain medications, and acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain and fever. Necrotizing fasciitis usually requires surgery, in order to remove infected tissue.