Diseases

Fournier’s Gangrene

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A horrendous infection of the genitalia that causes severe pain in the genital area (in the penis and scrotum or perineum) and progresses from erythema (redness) to necrosis (death) of tissue. Gangrene can Occur within hours. The mortality (death) rates are up to 50%.

SYMPTOMS

Crepitant ("spongy" to the touch) skin.
Dead and discolored (gray-black) tissue; pus weeping from injury.
Fever and drowsiness (lethargy)
Increasing genital pain and redness (erythema)
Odor.

CAUSES

Fournier's gangrene is a rare and often fulminant necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and genital region frequently due to a synergistic polymicrobial infection. This truly emergent condition is typically seen in elderly, diabetic, or otherwise immune-compromised individuals.