With all the glitz and glamor of the cosmetic industry, it`s easy to forget there are many unfortunate people stricken with various diseases or disorders that make it impossible for them to enjoy the same beauty experiences that most of us take for granted.
Some of these conditions are serious enough to be life threatening, others are not physically harmful but cause startling changes in appearance that are psychologically damaging. All of these cases are sad.
This series highlights a few of these cosmetic diseases and disorders. If you have any of these, our hearts go out to you. If you don`t have them “ be thankful you`re healthy! Part 2 of this series covers Necrotizing Fasciitis, commonly referred to as Flesh Eating Bacteria.
What Is NF
Necrotizing Fasciitis, or NF, is a bacterial infection of the fascia, the membrane that covers muscle tissue. It`s relatively rare, even though cases are widely publicized. This isn`t really considered a cosmetic disease, but because the effect it has on the skin is so horrific and because it can be so life threatening, we felt it is important one to make our readers aware of.
What Causes NF
It`s caused by a special strain of Group A Streptococci, the same type of bacteria that cause strep throat. These bacteria can enter your body through any break in the skin. There have been documented cases of NF that have resulted from contamination that occurred as a result of surgery, a tiny scratch, even a friendly punch on the arm.
What are the Symptoms
Once inside your body, the bacteria start to attack the muscle tissue. Swelling, heat, and redness starts in about a day. Then the skin color turns red, then purple, then blue in another day. Large blisters develop shortly thereafter. NF can cause incredible pain, extremely low blood pressure, high fever, and if not properly treated, death.
How Is It Treated
The good news is that this infection is very responsive to antibiotics. The bad news is, it can kill you in a couple of days if left untreated. Even with antibiotics and surgery the mortality rate is still almost 50%.
You can visit The National Necrotizing Fasciitis Foundation for a detailed description of the disease and personal accounts of survivors that include extremely graphic photographs. Please use discretion when viewing.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Ok… you’ve now scared me into wearing my lab gloves again. I grow my protein in e. coli and I hate to admit it, but you know growing them and killing them at will made me loose respect for them. Thanks for reminding me brains!
Holy crap.
My dad has this and for a long while his doctor’s at the VA were clueless and blew him off. Thank goodness he listened to my sister and I and went to a real doctor who diagnosed it right away and put him on medications. It’s healing now, but to think that he could’ve died is scary.