This is an infection located in the genital area, perineum and/or anus caused by bacteria. It affects soft tissues beneath the skin and its fasciae.
Contributing factors to this infection have been described, such as alcoholism, diabetes, HIV, kidney failure, cancer and malnutrition.
Symptoms include fever, genital pain, swelling and redness of the affected area. Later observable events include areas of dead skin, foul odor, purulent exudate and crackling when palpating the skin. In a few hours, the infection becomes widespread, with multiple organ failure and death.
It is diagnosed through medical history collection, physical examination, blood tests, cultures and CT-scan.
Medical treatment must be started early, with intravenous antibiotic, strong pain killers and good intravenous hydration, followed by urgent surgical treatment to remove any and all devitalized tissue.
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