Skin necrosis can happen if there is an infection. Usually, it affects the tissues and dies. Hence, the leading cause of it is what they called “flesh-eating bacteria.” However, other causes of infection are not very dangerous. Also, this condition does not usually happen to healthy people. It is essential to understand that even a tiny cut can become severe. That is why it is helpful if you are aware of the signs. It will tell you if you git this bacteria that can eat your flesh. Therefore, one should get quick medical attention when symptoms start to appear.
1. What are the Possible Signs?
The very first sign of it may not appear serious. Hence, some people tend to ignore the first sign. Firstly, the skin will become red and warm. Also, there is a feeling that your muscle has been pulled. Some people may also suffer from flu-like signs. You may also experience a red and painful small bump on your skin. However, this little bump will eventually grow, and the pain will become serious.
Moreover, severe skin necrosis will appear when there is already a liquid coming out from the affected area. Hence, the color may change into black and will develop into a wound. During the early stages, one can feel a serve pain, but its look is not very alarming.
Other signs to look out for are:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Heavy sweating
- Vomiting
- Urination
2. What are its leading causes?
People define necrosis as dead cells or tissues, but what causes it? Hence, to develop one, there should be a presence of bacteria inside your body. Therefore, it can get into the body if there is an open wound or broken skin. For instance, it can enter the body through a small cut or wound. The wound does not need to be large for the bacteria to go inside. Likewise, a pinch of a needle is enough for it to get into the body.
Unfortunately, different types define necrosis causes. Therefore, the following causes of it are from:
- E. coli
- S. aureus
- Clostridium
- Streptococcus
3. Who is at risk?
Furthermore, anyone can have it no matter how healthy you are, but it is very rare. Therefore, warfarin induced skin necrosis can happen to people with a weak immune system. For example, people with cancer, diabetes, and kidney problems are at risk of having it. Also, some who may have more chances of developing it are:
- Those that use steroids
- People with heart and lung problems
- Those with skin issues
- People using drugs
- Those who are alcoholic
4. How can it be passed on?
The flesh-eating bacteria can transfer from one person to another through:
- Burns
- Open wounds
- Small puncture
- Injury
- Insect bites
- Small cuts
There are instances when the reason is unknown because a person does not have any history. However, once it started, then the infection can quickly progress into a severe case. Therefore, quick medical attention is very important in the first sign.
5. How is it diagnosed?
A doctor finds out if it is warfarin-induced skin necrosis by doing several tests. Some will ask for a biopsy. Hence, it is a process in which a small part of the skin tissue is used for the sample. Other doctors may also ask for blood tests, MRI, or CT scan to know the truth about your condition.
6. What are the possible treatments?
The very first treatment is a strong dose of antibiotics. If it is serious, like some tissues already decayed, then it is given through the veins. Also, doctors may remove dead tissues for the drugs to reach other parts of the body where is an infection. The last option is the removal of the affected part of the body.
There is no specific way to prevent it from happening. However, by practicing good personal hygiene, one can lessen their risk of having it. Therefore, always practice washing hands using clean water and soap, especially if you have wounds. Also, if you have a wound, make sure to take care of it by cleaning it and changing the bandage when it becomes dirty or wet. Above all, consult a doctor if you do not see any improvement to your wound after a few days.