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Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Necrotizing Fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare bacterial disease that swiftly spreads and infects the skin's tissues. Unfortunately, one in four individuals who contract this infection will perish from it.

The 31st of May is Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Day, which seeks to provide information and assistance for the treatment and prevention of this infection. It also encourages people to offer whatever assistance they can to those afflicted by necrotizing fasciitis. This bacterial disease can destroy the epidermis, fatty tissue, and muscle-covering tissue. Without appropriate and timely treatment, it can rapidly spread and cause significant damage.

The background of Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Day

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare bacterial disease that swiftly spreads and infects the skin’s tissues. Unfortunately, one in four individuals who contract this infection will perish from it. This disease was known as phagedenic ulcer, phagedena gangrenosa, gangrenous ulcer, malignant ulcer, septic ulcer, and hospital gangrene prior to the 19th century.

A individual named Tim Hayden developed a knuckle scratch in 2006. One morning, he awoke with flu-like symptoms and scarlet blotches on his arms and torso. He was rushed to the hospital without delay. A specialist in infectious diseases diagnosed the symptoms as necrotizing fasciitis and prescribed emergency treatment, including surgery and physical therapy. Hayden established an online support community for necrotizing fasciitis survivors in 2016. A year later, he established a foundation, and the 31st of May has since been designated as Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Day. In the same year, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder proclaimed Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Day, and many other states in the United States have followed suit since then. In the United States, Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Day has been observed annually for the past four years.

Group A Streptococcus is believed to be the most prevalent cause of necrotizing fasciitis. It is uncommon, especially in robust individuals. However, this does not mean we should be careless when we sustain a minor laceration. Early detection of the symptoms can literally save your life.

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5 IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT NECROTIZING FASCIITIS TO KNOW

Multiple types of common and uncommon bacteria can cause necrotizing fasciitis.

Those with a compromised immune system regrettably fall into the high-risk category for necrotizing fasciitis.

A high-tech treatment, such as a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, can aid in preventing tissue injury.

Most frequently, necrotizing fasciitis affects the perineum, extremities, and genitalia.

The Centre for Disease Control estimates that between 9,000 and 11,500 Americans contract group A streptococcus bacterial infections annually, one of the causes of necrotizing fasciitis.