Hand clinics
-
Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe, fulminant infection most commonly encountered in patients with diabetes mellitus, alcohol abuse, and intravenous drug abuse. The infection can spread-unrecognized along fascial planes beneath seemingly normal skin. The relatively benign appearance of the extremity is misleading and often results in delay in diagnosis and increased morbidity or death. ⋯ Diabetic gangrene typically occurs in those diabetic patients with severe peripheral vascular or renal disease. The infections are usually polymicrobial. Treatment involves broad-spectrum antibiotics and multiple surgical debridements or amputation.