Necrotizing fasciitis: reviewing the causes and treatment strategies.

PURPOSE: To update the practitioner with causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for necrotizing fasciitis.

TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians and nurses with an interest in better understanding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of necrotizing fasciitis.

OBJECTIVES

After reading this article and taking this test, the reader should be able to: 1. Identify the risk factors and causes of necrotizing fasciitis (NF). 2. Describe the clinical presentation and diagnosis of NF. 3. Explain the treatment options for NF.