[Necrotizing fasciitis and cellulitis of the upper limb resulting from centipede bite: two case reports]

Centipede bites occurring in tropical countries are rare, however vigilance must be exercised during activities in the open air and dwellings should be checked in the event of rain. The bite is very painful and can be accompanied by generalised signs. An initial wound disinfection and a check of antitetanus vaccination status is all that is usually needed to ensure an uneventful outcome. There are however, rare cases where local toxicity and a bacterial super-infection, often with Gram+ cocci, can lead to a cellulitis or even necrotizing fasciitis of the hand. The diagnosis of a centipede bite can be made by the double marks made by the fangs. Wound debridement and antibiotics led to a good outcome in both our cases.