NECROTIZING FASCIITIS

necrotizing fasciitis: translation

(nek\'ro-taīz"ing fa"se-i\'tis)

A disease that results from a severe invasive group A streptococcus infection. Necrotizing fasciitis is an infection of the subcutaneous soft tissues, particularly of fibrous tissue, and is most common on the extremities. It begins with skin reddening, swelling, pain, and cellulitis, and proceeds to skin breakdown and gangrene after 3 to 5 days.