Necrotizing fasciitis of the neck

Necrotizing fasciitis (N.F.) is a rare but serious infection of subcutaneous tissues and deep fascia with resulting skin gangrene and septicaemia. It is due to mixed anaerobic and aerobic organisms. It has been reported under a variety of synonyms. We describe two cases of necrotizing fasciitis of the neck probably secondary to chronic dental infection, one was diagnosed early and the other late with very different outcomes. We highlight the importance of early and aggressive surgical treatment to complement parenteral antibiotics covering both aerobic and anaerobic organisms.