Overview
Introduction
Necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) is a surgical emergency because visible skin changes may lag behind destruction in the fascia, muscle, or subcutaneous tissue.
Necrotizing soft-tissue infection (NSTI) is a surgical emergency because visible skin changes may lag behind destruction in the fascia, muscle, or subcutaneous tissue. Bacterial invasion, toxins, enzymes, and thrombosis of small vessels can rapidly produce ischemic necrosis, sepsis, and shock. The bedside pattern therefore outranks a reassuring early test: severe pain that does not fit the skin findings, rapid spread, wooden induration, bullae, ecchymosis, sensory loss, crepitus, or systemic toxicity should trigger immediate escalation.