Info on Flesh Eating Bacteria...

I received an email today containing some excellent information on flesh eating bacteria called necrotizing fascitis.  It's a condition that needs IMMEDIATE medical attention.  Hopefully this information will help you understand this rare but deadly condition.

Recognize the Early Signs
Even though it's highly unlikely you'll come down with necrotizing fasciitis, knowing how to recognize the early signs of this or any other disease can make all the difference in your outcome if you ever do.
Necrotizing fasciitis usually begins as a small, painful bump. The bump grows rapidly into a painful bruise. By rapidly, I mean in the course of just an hour or two. The center of the bruise will sometimes turn black in color as the skin begins to die. That's a sure sign you need immediate and urgent care. In the two cases we've been discussing, both women sought treatment on the fourth day after being infected. It goes to show that days, even a few hours, can make a difference.
You may also run a fever, feel dizzy, and experience weakness.
If you see these symptoms, get to the emergency room as fast as you can. You know how I feel about emergency rooms – crowded, impersonal, insanely expensive, and often gathering places for "Typhoid Marys" – so you know I don't say that lightly!
Simple Prevention and Quick Diagnosis Is Your Best Bet
While knowing how to recognize the early signs of necrotizing fasciitis could save either your life or your limbs, knowing how to prevent it is even better.
And, prevention is simple.
A couple of simple precautions are to avoid going barefoot, especially outdoors, and to wear gloves when doing physical labor.
I especially like mechanics' gloves, sold in home centers and auto parts stores for about ten dollars. They're tough, comfortable, form-fitting, dry quickly and are almost impossible to wear out. Wear them not only for any automotive work but anytime you're using tools, handing building materials, or even gardening. I also wear them to guard against germs at the gym or anyplace else I'm going to be touching equipment shared by others.
Anytime you cut yourself or get a scrape, wash and disinfect the wound and the skin surrounding it. Soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers are best. If neither is available, use hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, colloidal silver, or even distilled spirits (whisky, vodka, etc.)

Effective self-care for deeper or larger wounds includes an Epsom salt bath; regular table salt will do if you don't have Epsom salts on hand. Even a pinprick can be enough to give bacteria an opening into your body. In one case, a gentleman ended up with necrotizing fasciitis from a tiny puncture wound caused by a pine needle on his Christmas tree.
Another point to remember is to discuss sterilization and hygiene before any surgery, whether in-patient or outpatient. Sadly, a number of these infections start in hospitals.
Necrotizing fasciitis is rare. If you're careful to treat your injuries properly, you'll go a long way to preventing even the faint chance that you might develop a flesh-eating condition. Perhaps more importantly, the steps toward minimizing the risk of this disease can also help you avoid many other health risks.
It's all part of being ready for anything in these unprecedented times, when self-reliance is key.

Yours in Good Health,
Heather Robson, HealthEdge