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Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum - abdomen Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum - leg

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Necrotizing soft tissue infection

Alternative Names: Necrotizing fasciitis; Fasciitis - necrotizing; Flesh-eating bacteria; Soft tissue gangrene; Gangrene - soft-tissue Symptoms: Severe pain in the area Swelling in the area Discoloration in the area May appear reddened, bronzed, bruised, or purple (purpuric) Progresses to dusky, dark color Bleeding into the skin Visibly dead (necrotic) tissue Patchy skin color Skin breaks (open wound) Skin around the wound feels hot and looks reddened, raised, or discolored (inflamed) Oozing fluid ranging from yellowish-clear or yellowish-bloody to puslike Fever General ill feeling Signs and tests: The appearance of the skin and underlying tissues, and the presence of gangrene (black or dead tissue) indicates a necrotizing soft tissue infection. Imaging tests, such as CT scans, are sometimes helpful. Text Continues Below Often a patient will be diagnosed in the operating room by a surgeon. A gram stain and culture of drainage or tissue from the area may find which bacteria is causing the infection.

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