In the United States, a 30-year-old man was put into a coma after developing sepsis (a serious condition formerly called septicemia) following an ingrown hair.
- A 30-year-old developed a blood infection and then sepsis due to an ingrown hair.
- He was in a coma for several weeks.
- In 2017, 11 million sepsis-related deaths were recorded worldwide.
An ingrown hair almost killed him. Steven S., a Texan in his thirties, has been hospitalized for more than a year because of a blood infection which caused sepsis. In 2022, the man tried to remove an ingrown hair located in his groin. However, the small wound became infected and his health gradually deteriorated. His story is told in the Daily Email.
From an ingrown hair to a generalized infection
On TikTokhis sister Michelle explains that Steven was “enough sick” for a month, but the doctors didn’t understand what was happening to him. They eventually discovered he had a bacterial infection in his blood. “It declined rapidly, relates his sister, until he sinks and is placed on assistance.” The blood infection reached his organs and he developed sepsis, that is to say a generalized inflammatory reaction throughout his body.
Doctors intubated him and then placed him in an induced coma to try to save him. He then had a low chance of survival, 4% according to his sister’s account. According to’Pastor Institute“mortality of patients hospitalized for sepsis is 25%, but mortality from septic shock can reach 50% and the number of annual deaths resulting from sepsis in France is estimated at more than 60,000..
Sepsis: how is this serious condition treated?
L’World Health Organization estimates that in 2017, this serious condition caused 11 million deaths worldwide. It occurs when the immune system triggers an extreme reaction to an infection, which can damage organs or tissues. “Common signs of sepsis include fever, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, confusion and pain.”, develops the organization. When the condition is diagnosed, it requires admission to intensive care where patients “receive antibiotics and the supports necessary to maintain vital functions”, adds the Pasteur Institute. The earlier treatment is started, the more effective it is.
In Texas, Steven finally came out of a coma after a month in intensive care. According to Daily Email, he has no brain damage and has almost completely recovered. At the end of 2023, he was even able to walk again.
@michellebell111 Heres some more videos of my brother. When he came out of the coma and was more alert he kept spelling out “wheres dad” my dad died 8 years ago. Today we love hearing him tell us how he remembers being with my dad and seeing all of us in a room. #mybrother #coma #brotherskeeper #warrior ♬ original sound – Michelle
Sepsis: how to protect yourself?
While these conditions can be serious, it is possible to reduce the risk. WHO identifies different key stages to achieve this :
- practicing good personal hygiene, such as washing hands and preparing food safely;
- avoid drinking unsafe water or using unsanitary toilets;
- receive vaccinations recommended by local health authorities;
- have a healthy diet ;
- breastfeed newborns.
The organization also asks hospitals and healthcare structures to “follow effective infection control rules” And “use antibiotics appropriately to treat infections”. It recommends that the authorities encourage the development of rapid and affordable diagnostic tools in order to “to improve the identification, monitoring, prevention and treatment of sepsis”but also “better educate health workers and communities so that they do not underestimate the risk of infections progressing to sepsis.”