
What is flesh-eating bacteria? Necrotizing fasciitis is a soft tissue infection that is rare but a very severe type of bacterial infection that can destroy the muscles, skin, and underlying tissue.
What causes it? It can be caused by many bacteria, including some that normally live on people's skin, or Group A Streptococcus. It can occur in an extremity following a minor trauma or after the bacteria has a chance to enter the body in another way, like during surgery or a C-section.
How is it treated? Necrotizing fasciitis is typically managed by surgery, antibiotics and aggressive supportive care.
(Source: GHS, National Necrotizing Fasciitis Foundation & U.S. National Library of Medicine)