http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Necrotizing_fasciitisNecrotizing fasciitis (NF) or fasciitis necroticans, commonly known as flesh-eating disease or flesh-eating bacteria, is a rare infection of the deeper layers of skin and subcutaneous tissues, easily spreading across the fascial plane within the subcutaneous tissue. Type I describes a polymicrobial infection, whereas Type II describes a monomicrobial infection. Many types of bacteria can cause necrotizing fasciitis (eg. Group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes), Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio vulnificus, Clostridium perfringens, Bacteroides fragilis).
The infection begins locally, at a site of trauma, which may be severe (such as the result of surgery), minor, or even non-apparent.
Patients usually complain of intense pain that may seem in excess given the external appearance of the skin. With progression of the disease, tissue becomes swollen, often within hours. Diarrhea and vomiting are common symptoms as well. Inflammation does not show signs right away if the bacteria are deep within the tissue. If they are not deep, signs of inflammation such as redness and swollen or hot skin show very quickly.
Skin color may progress to violet and blisters may form, with subsequent necrosis (death) of the subcutaneous tissues. Patients with necrotizing fasciitis typically have a fever and appear very ill.
Mortality rates have been noted as high as 73 percent.[2] Without surgery and medical assistance, such as antibiotics, the infection will rapidly progress.[3]Wow... this description seems to match
