Symptoms of a Flesh Eater: Necrotizing Fasciitis

  • Trauma of some type (however slight) will probably have occurred (scratch, cut, surgery, or even a pinprick or bruise).
  • Victim begins to feel an annoying discomfort in the general region of the trauma.
  • The pain described gets worse; the area gets more tender. The pain one feels becomes out of proportion to the injury.
  • Flu-like symptoms occur, such as vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, general malaise, weakness, muscle pain and fever.
  • Tissue is swollen, and there might be redness noted. The area will feel hot to the touch and very painful.
  • Urination becomes less frequent (as the system dehydrates).
  • Blood pressure drops severely, and heartbeat is rapid.
  • A sunburn type rash might appear over the entire body from toxins released by the bacteria.
  • Large, dark boil-like blister(s) might form in the affected area.
  • Toxic shock can ensue as the body's organs shut down.
-- National Necrotizing Fasciitis Foundation