Necrotizing fasciitis with chickenpox

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis can be observed in a wide variety of clinical settings in the pediatric age group. But necrotizing fasciitis as a complication of chickenpox is rare. Five cases of necrotizing fasciitis following chickenpox were treated in the authors’ institutions. Clinical signs like fever, tachycardia, pallor, erythema, marked edema of the affected area and patchy areas of discoloration or gangrene of the skin were present and were the important clues to the seriousness of infection. Patients were treated with aggressive surgical debridement, frequent dressings, broad-spectrum antibiotics, nutritional support, and split skin grafting. Early diagnosis and aggressive surgical therapy are critical. Literature search showed necrotizing fasciitis following chickenpox has not been reported in India. We feel early suspicion and aggressive management can decrease the morbidity and mortality in this rare complication.