Necrotizing fasciitis: a diagnostic challenge.

Group A streptococci are responsible for much of the morbidity associated with skin infections. Necrotizing fasciitis, the most extreme form of these infections, may be life-threatening. Consequently, physicians need to know how to diagnose and effectively treat this deep infection of the subcutaneous tissues. The diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis is based on the history (i.e., predisposing factors to infection), gram staining and culture, radiography and, ultimately, surgical exploration. The infection is treated with antibiotics, hyperbaric oxygenation and surgical debridement.