Infection of the genital area, perineum and/or anus caused by bacteria. It affects the soft tissues under the skin and its fasciae.
Factors that have been described as contributing to this infection include alcoholism, diabetes, HIV, renal failure, cancer and malnutrition.
Symptoms include fever, genital pain, swelling and redness of the affected area. Later observations include areas of dead skin, foul odour, purulent exudate and crackling when the skin is palpated. Within a few hours, the infection becomes widespread, with multiple organ failure and death.
It is diagnosed by a medical history, physical examination, blood tests, cultures and CT-scan.
Medical treatment must be started early with intravenous antibiotics, strong painkillers and good intravenous hydration, followed by urgent surgical treatment to remove all devitalised tissue.
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