Content
Fournier's syndrome is a rare disease caused by the proliferation of bacteria in the genital region that promotes the death of cells in the area and leads to the appearance of symptoms of gangrene, such as severe pain, a foul smell and swelling in the region.
This syndrome is more common in older men or immunocompromised people due to the low activity of the immune system, which is not able to eliminate the microorganisms responsible for the infection.
Fournier's syndrome is curable and is not contagious, however its treatment should be started as soon as possible to reduce the risk of amputation and spread of the bacteria to other organs, which can be life-threatening.
Main symptoms
The presence of the bacteria in the intimate region causes severe infection and is able to interrupt blood circulation in the region, which can result in the death of the tissue, which is known as gangrene. Thus, the signs and symptoms of Fournier's syndrome are considered quite painful and uncomfortable, the main ones being:
- Skin of the red intimate area that later evolves to darkened;
- Intense and constant pain;
- Foul smell and swelling of the region;
- Fever above 38ºC;
- Excessive tiredness.
Although less frequent, in women there is usually involvement of the vilva and groin, while in men it is observed mainly in the scrotum and penis.
How the treatment is done
Treatment should be recommended by the urologist or gynecologist, and surgery is usually indicated to remove the skin and dead cells and thus prevent the disease from progressing. In addition, the removed tissue is sent to the laboratory for analysis and the microorganism responsible for the syndrome can be identified.
In addition to surgery, the doctor may indicate the use of antibiotics orally or directly into the vein, such as Piperacillin-Tazobactam or Clindamycin, for example, to prevent the disease from recurring.
In the most severe cases, it may be necessary to remove a lot of affected skin and tissues and, therefore, the patient may be hospitalized from a few days to several days until the skin and all affected tissues grow back.
In some cases, it may also be necessary for the person to undergo surgery to reconstruct the intimate region, because the bacterium responsible for the syndrome destroys tissue and cells. Understand how Fournier syndrome is treated.
Causes of Fournier's syndrome
Fournier's syndrome is caused by bacteria that are part of the genital microbiota that can develop on the spot and lead to cell death due to the presence of toxins. Some situations favor the proliferation of these bacteria and increase the risk of developing the syndrome, the main ones being:
- Lack of hygiene;
- Pleats on the skin, which accumulate bacteria;
- Diabetes mellitus;
- Morbid obesity;
- Malnutrition;
- Low vascularization and thrombosis in the region's blood vessels;
- Bumps with formation of bruises;
- Sepsis;
- Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome;
- Urinary tract infection;
- Small infections.
In addition, other factors that increase the risk of Fournier's syndrome are cirrhosis, alcoholism, hypertension, drug and antibiotic abuse without medical recommendation, since it can promote the permanence of more resistant bacteria.
How to prevent
As Fournier's syndrome is caused by bacteria that are found naturally in the genital region, it is important to adopt measures that prevent its proliferation, it is important to maintain the correct hygiene of the genital region, in addition to avoiding foods rich in sugar, as it may favor the development bacterian.
In addition, it is important to avoid risk factors, it is important to have a healthy diet, avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages or drugs, not to use antibiotics without medical advice.