Necrotizing fasciitis in primary care: presentation, risk factors and treatment.
Necrotizing skin infections, although rare, have proven difficult to manage and treat in a wide range of patient groups. The risks of extensive tissue necrosis, systemic sepsis and potentially organ failure make this disease one which health-care professionals must be aware of. Treatment involves rapid debridement and intensive therapy including broad spectrum antibiotics. Appropriate wound care is essential as is a great deal of psychological support for the patient and relatives. This article also highlights some of the risk factors which may pre-dispose a patient to infection.
Timmons
John
J
Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, UK. John.Timmons@gcal.ac.uk
D000328:Adult; D001458:Bandages; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D003646:Debridement / Q000451:nursing; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors