NECROTIZING FASCIITIS AS A COMPLICATION OF CHICKENPOX - A CASE-REPORT AND LITERATURE-REVIEW

Chickenpox is a very common childhood illness, with a low rate of complications among hospitalized children. A rare case of acute necrotizing fasciitis occurring as a complication of chickenpox in a seven year old white boy is reported. This severe complication is a potentially lethal bacterial infection of subcutaneous tissues and fascia, with possible necrosis of underlying muscle. Confused terminology and rarity of the disease can lead to a wrong or delayed diagnosis. This case is presented to remind surgeons of the devastating potential of necrotizing fasciitis in children and to emphasize the necessity of a prompt and aggressive therapeutic approach.