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Have a fever
Pain between the scrotum and the anus
Redness of the skin
Red blotches on the skin
A pimple
There are blisters
My body is hot
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
A potentially life-threatening infection of the genital area that spreads quickly and can destroy cells of muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Harmful microorganisms often enter through a break in the skin. It is most common in older men but can affect anyone. Risk factors include diabetes, weak immune system, alcohol abuse, obesity, etc.
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
The infection can spread to other parts of the body, so it is crucial to seek prompt medical attention. Immediate treatment involves surgical removal of infected and dead tissue, wound care, and aggressive treatment with antibiotics injected into the vein.
Reviewed By:
Maxwell J. Nanes, DO (Emergency Medicine)
Dr Nanes received a doctorate from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and went on to complete a residency in emergency medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. There he trained at Froedtert Hospital and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in the practice of adult and pediatric emergency medicine. He was a chief resident and received numerous awards for teaching excellence during his time there. | | After residency he took a job at a community hospital where he and his colleagues worked through the toughest days of the COVID-19 pandemic. |
Nao Saito, MD (Urology)
After graduating from Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Dr. Saito worked at Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Toda Chuo General Hospital, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center, and Ako Chuo Hospital before becoming Deputy Director (current position) at Takasaki Tower Clinic Department of Ophthalmology and Urology in April 2020.
Content updated on Feb 13, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
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Q.
Is It Fournier’s? Why Your Skin Is Dying & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Rapidly worsening genital or groin pain that feels worse than it looks, with swelling, fever, and skin turning purple, gray, or black, can signal Fournier’s gangrene, a rare but life-threatening infection that needs immediate emergency care with urgent surgery and IV antibiotics. There are several factors to consider, including high risk conditions like diabetes, how to tell it from less serious problems, and the exact diagnostic and treatment steps that can guide your next move; see the complete guidance below to understand more.
References:
* Sorensen, M. D., et al. "Fournier's Gangrene: A Review of Current Literature." *Journal of Wound Ostomy & Continence Nursing*, vol. 45, no. 6, 2018, pp. 524-529.
* Chernyadyev, S. A., et al. "Fournier's gangrene: a comprehensive review." *Journal of Clinical Urology*, vol. 12, no. 1, 2019, pp. 1-10.
* Sorensen, M. D., et al. "Fournier's Gangrene: Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management." *Current Urology Reports*, vol. 21, no. 3, 2020, p. 10.
* Hackman, S. D., et al. "Fournier gangrene: diagnosis, management, and treatment." *Surgical Clinics of North America*, vol. 101, no. 2, 2021, pp. 325-339.
* Gaspar, E., et al. "Pathophysiology and Management of Fournier's Gangrene." *Reviews in Urology*, vol. 24, no. 2, 2022, pp. 41-47.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1Goh, T., Goh, L. G., Ang, C. H., & Wong, C. H. (2014). Early diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. Journal of British Surgery.
https://academic.oup.com/bjs/article-abstract/101/1/e119/6138120Okhunov, A. O., & Korikhonov, D. N. (2023). Differential diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. British Medical Journal.
https://ejournals.id/index.php/bmj/article/download/772/731Maya, S. P., Beltrán, D. D., Lemercier, P., & others. (2014). Necrotizing fasciitis: An urgent diagnosis. Skeletal Radiology.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00256-013-1813-2