
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Necrotizing fasciitis primary prevention
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Effective measures for the primary prevention of necrotizing fasciitis include prevention of trauma/breaks in skin integrity, treatment of underlying infections, hand washing, proper wound care and proper management of underlying co-morbidities.
Primary Prevention
Primary Prevention
Effective measures for the primary prevention of necrotizing fasciitis include:[1][2]
- Prevention of trauma/breaks in skin integrity that act as portal of entry
- Treatment of cellulitis to prevent extension into the subcutaneous tissue
- Immunization against varicella zoster virus (in adults and children)
- Hand washing with soap and water or use of alcohol-based hand rub if washing is not possible especially after coughing, sneezing and before preparing food or eating to prevent the spread of group A streptococcal (GAS) infection
- Wounds should be cleaned and monitored for signs of infection
- Patients with strep throat should stay home until 24 hours after their last antibiotic dose
- Avoid spending time in whirlpools, hot tubs, swimming pools, and natural bodies of water (like lakes, rivers, oceans) until infections are healed
- Do not delay first aid of wounds like blisters, scrapes, or any break in the skin
- All contacts should be counselled about the signs and symptoms of infection and advised to go immediately to an emergency department for prompt treatment
- Patients with underlying co-morbidities should watch carefully for any signs of infection
References
References
- ↑ CDC http://www.cdc.gov/features/necrotizingfasciitis/ (2016) Accessed on September 12, 2016
- ↑ Taviloglu K, Yanar H (2007). “Necrotizing fasciitis: strategies for diagnosis and management”. World J Emerg Surg. 2: 19. doi:10.1186/1749-7922-2-19. PMC 1988793. PMID 17683625.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yamuna Kondapally, M.B.B.S[2]
