Necrotizing fasciitis.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly progressing soft-tissue infection characterized by extensive necrosis of subcutaneous fat and fascia. It is frequently accompanied by moderate to severe systemic toxicity and can be fatal without prompt recognition and aggressive surgical treatment. The podiatric physician must be aware of these infections because the extremities are common sites of involvement. Necrotizing, fasciitis must be treated as a medical emergency calling for prompt surgical intervention and high doses of broad-spectrum antibiotics.