A skin infection of the scrotum that lines the testicles caused by bacteria. It is usually bacteria from the streptococcus and/or staphylococcus family that enter through a lesion in the scrotal skin.
Factors favouring this infection have been described as alcoholism, diabetes, HIV, kidney failure, cancer and malnutrition.
Symptoms include genital pain, swelling and redness of the affected area. It may be accompanied by a rise in temperature or even fever.
Diagnosis is made by reviewing the patient's medical history and a physical examination. Blood tests and cultures of the genital area may be requested to confirm the infection and to determine the causative bacteria.
Medical treatment should be started early, with oral antibiotics in mild cases and intravenous antibiotics in severe cases. It should be accompanied by analgesics to treat pain.
If not treated properly, it can lead to genital necrotising fasciitis or Fournier's gangrene.
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