necrotizing fasciitis

noun

: a severe soft tissue infection that is caused by bacteria (such as Group A streptococci or MRSA) and is marked by edema and necrosis of subcutaneous tissues with involvement of adjacent fascia and by painful red swollen skin over affected areas

If the infection occurred on the skin or underlying tissue as through a cut, necrotizing fasciitis could develop, literally eating away deep muscle and other soft tissue, eventually causing organ failure and death.

—Shannon Thompkins

called also flesh-eating disease

Examples of necrotizing fasciitis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Muñoz had a heart attack, struggled with an internal hemorrhage, and developed necrotizing fasciitis — commonly called the flesh-eating bacteria — which resulted in the amputation of her legs under the knee, her right arm, and part of her left hand, to stop the infection’s spread. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 20 June 2025

There have been rare reports of systemic infections, including sepsis and necrotizing fasciitis (i.e. flesh-eating bacteria). —Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025

Unfortunately, the former broadcaster was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, a rare, ‘flesh-eating’ disease commonly caused by Group A Streptococcus or Staphylococcus bacteria. —Lipi Roy, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

The strain can also cause more severe infections, like sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

necrotizing fasciitis

noun

: a severe infection of soft tissue that is caused by bacteria (such as Group A streptococci or MRSA) and is marked by edema and necrosis of subcutaneous tissue with involvement of adjacent fascia and by painful red swollen skin over affected areas

On incision, clues such as fat necrosis … and thrombosis of subcutaneous veins … would suggest necrotizing fasciitis.

—Michael R. Filbin et al., The New England Journal of Medicine

If the infection occurred on the skin or underlying tissue as through a cut, necrotizing fasciitis could develop, literally eating away deep muscle and other soft tissue, eventually causing organ failure and death.

—Shannon Tompkins, The Houston Chronicle

called also flesh-eating disease

Note: Necrotizing fasciitis usually occurs as a complication of surgery, injury, or infection by extension from the initially affected site.