Search Results for: wound infection

As we have seen over previous weeks, necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a relatively uncommon but potential devastating infection of the soft tissues. It can begin as an existing infection in an innocuous wound such as a bite or a scratch but progresses so rapidly that diagnosis and treatment are often left far behind. NF is…

Diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) can prove extremely challenging. The condition has many of the same characteristics as cellulitis, and is often diagnosed incorrectly as such.(1) The resulting delay in implementing appropriate treatment can prove catastrophic in such a rapidly progressing condition. Cellulitis or Necrotizing Fasciitis? One key differentiator between NF and cellulitis  is the…

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF), or the ‘flesh-eating bug’ as it tends to be known in the press, is an extremely rapidly progressing infection that is difficult to manage and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Risk Factors of Necrotizing Fasciitis While anyone with an infection may, in theory, develop NF, in practice the majority of…

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening soft tissue infection a condition, often referred to in the press as the ‘flesh-eating bug’ on account of the speed with which the infection spreads.  The condition was first described by Hippocrates around the fifth century, and the term “necrotizing fasciitis” was coined by Joseph Jones, a former Confederate…

Vasculitis is an inflammation and necrosis of the blood vessels, leading to hemorrhage, ischemia, and infarction.(1–3) Treatment of the condition is entirely dependent on the extent of the disease. In many instances, cutaneous vasculitis is a self-limited condition, relieved by leg elevation, avoidance of standing, and therapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, more extensive…

Vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessel wall, is associated with multiple cutaneous manifestations as well as systemic sequelae.(1-5) Opinions on the Classification of Vasculitis Opinion is divided over the best way to classify cutaneous vasculitis. Some prefer classification according to etiology, differentiating between primary (idiopathic) and secondary disease.(1) Approximately 50% of cases are idiopathic,…

Sickle cell leg ulcers are a common manifestation of sickle cell disease, affecting around 75% of patients over the course of their disease.(1) Sickle cell ulcers can be both painful and debilitating, and tend to heal only slowly. It has been shown that most ulcers will eventually heal on their own following a prolonged period…

Let’s look at the relatively uncommon but extremely debilitating issue of sickle cell ulcers. Sickle cell ulcers are a common manifestation of sickle cell disease, which is itself an inherited, genetic disorder of the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in red blood cells. Sickle Cell Ulcer Statistics Sickle cell disease is particularly common among people whose ancestors come…