Necrotising soft tissue infections
Necrotising soft tissue infections are rare and frightening conditions that need urgent medical care. At Wesley Hyperbaric, we support patients during recovery using hyperbaric oxygen therapy as part of a wider hospital treatment plan.
Necrotising soft tissue infections explained
What necrotising soft tissue infections are
Necrotising soft tissue infections, sometimes referred to as necrotising fasciitis, are severe infections that spread rapidly through the skin, fat and deeper tissue layers. Because they progress quickly and can cause widespread tissue damage, they are treated as a medical emergency.
The soft tissue infection often starts in a way that does not seem serious. People may notice a small cut, bite or sore that suddenly becomes very painful, swollen or inflamed. As the infection spreads, it can damage surrounding tissue and cause people to become extremely unwell over a short period of time.
How you might spot one
Some symptoms should prompt urgent medical care, including:
- Severe pain that feels out of proportion to what you can see on the skin
- Fast spreading redness, swelling or warmth
- Fever, chills, nausea, or feeling very unwell overall
- Blisters, dusky or purple patches, or skin that appears to be changing colour
- Oozing, a strong smell, or a wound that suddenly looks much worse
If you are concerned about any of the above, especially if symptoms are worsening quickly, seek urgent medical attention straight away.
We share more treatment education and recovery information on Facebook and Instagram; please follow Wesley Hyperbaric. This clinical example is shared with consent and is not a promise of the same outcome for everyone. Recovery depends on many factors including surgery, antibiotics, wound care, and overall health.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment plan
What treatment usually looks like
Necrotising soft tissue infection is treated in hospital using a team approach. Care commonly includes:
- Urgent surgery to remove infected or dead tissue, sometimes more than once
- Strong intravenous antibiotics
- Close monitoring and support in hospital, sometimes in intensive care
- Ongoing wound care and in some cases skin grafting once the infection is controlled
When hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used, it forms part of this broader treatment plan. It does not replace surgery or antibiotics.
Where HBOT can fit in
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing oxygen in a pressurised chamber. Under these conditions, a much higher amount of oxygen dissolves into the blood plasma, allowing oxygen to reach tissues that have been damaged or have a poor blood supply.
In necrotising soft tissue infections, HBOT may be considered because it can support recovery in several ways, including:
- Improving oxygen delivery to injured and infected tissue
- Supporting the body’s natural infection fighting processes
- Reducing swelling in some situations
- Supporting wound healing after surgery, particularly when large or complex wounds are present
“HBOT isn’t a standalone fix. It can be a helpful add on alongside surgery, antibiotics, and expert wound care.”
The timing and number of HBOT sessions vary. Decisions are made by the treating hospital team based on the individual clinical situation.
Is HBOT covered for necrotising soft tissue infections
Because treatment for necrotising soft tissue infections can be complex and prolonged, cost is an understandable concern.
Necrotising soft tissue infection is a condition specifically listed for Medicare funded HBOT.
Medicare eligibility for necrotising soft tissue infections depends on factors such as diagnosis, timing, the overall treatment plan and referral from the hospital team. If you or a loved one is being treated in hospital for a suspected or confirmed necrotising soft tissue infection, the treating doctors can advise whether HBOT is appropriate and whether Medicare criteria are met.
Recovery after necrotising soft tissue infections
Recovery after a necrotising soft tissue infection often takes time and happens in stages. Even once the infection is controlled, the body may need ongoing support to heal damaged tissue and regain strength.
Many patients experience:
- Large or complex wounds following surgery
- Reduced mobility during the early recovery phase
- Fatigue and a longer period of physical recovery
- Ongoing wound care, sometimes over weeks or months
Healing does not follow a straight line. Some days feel better than others, and recovery plans are often adjusted as wounds heal and the body responds to treatment.
Supportive therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be considered during recovery to help create the right environment for wound healing, particularly when tissue has been severely damaged or blood supply has been compromised.
This stage of care is usually coordinated between hospital teams, surgeons, wound specialists and hyperbaric medicine doctors, with the goal of supporting safe, steady healing.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy Brisbane
HBOT care at Wesley Hyperbaric
At Wesley Hyperbaric, we provide medical grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a large, pressurised chamber designed to treat several people at once. Patients sit in a reclining chair and breathe 100 percent oxygen through a clear hood.
During treatment:
- A nurse is inside the chamber at all times
- Sessions usually last around 90 minutes
- You can rest or read during treatment
- The chamber is climate controlled and comfortable
- A doctor is on site for every session
We accept referrals from hospitals, general practitioners and specialists. Once we have received your referral, our team reviews your medical history and current treatment details. If HBOT is recommended, we explain the treatment plan and answer any questions.
Your journey starts with these 3 steps
When you have completed your hyperbaric sessions, your condition is reassessed by one of our doctors.