﻿ Streptococcal Infections Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - What are the signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome (TSS)? - OnHealth

Streptococcal Infections (cont.)

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What are the symptoms and signs of necrotizing fasciitis?

Early signs and symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis include fever, severe pain, swelling, and erythema (redness) at the wound site or site where GAS organisms entered the body. The pain and swelling may extend well beyond the erythema. Skin changes may resemble cellulitis initially, but ulceration, scabs, and fluid draining from the site develop, sometimes rapidly (Fig. 3). GAS organisms then can spread to the bloodstream and the patient can develop bacteremia and septic shock with high fever and a low blood pressure. About 20% of patients with necrotizing fasciitis caused by GAS will die from the infection.

Picture of necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease)
Figure 3: Picture of necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease)


Early symptoms of TSS are nonspecific and often begin with flu-like symptoms of mild fever and malaise. However, TSS often suddenly advances with symptoms of high fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, and a low blood pressure. If it progresses, confusion, headaches, seizures, and skin loss from the palms of the hands and from the soles of the feet can occur. The blood pressure can become dangerously low so that body organs are not profused with enough blood, and if multiorgan failure develops, the patient often dies. The death rate varies from 5%-60%, depending on how well the patient can respond to treatment. GAS bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus are the predominant bacteria that cause TSS.

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Streptococcal Infections - Causes Question: What caused your streptococcal infection?

