Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Fournier Gangrene: Woman Develops Rare Flesh-eating Infection After Bikini Shave, Herbal Application

A 40-year-old woman developed a rare and potentially life-threatening “flesh-eating” infection of the genital and perineal region about a week after shaving her bikini line and an application of herbal preparation.

The woman, a mother of four with a BMI of 39 kg/m², was diagnosed with <span>Fournier gangrene</span>, a severe form of necrotizing fasciitis that can rapidly destroy soft tissue around the genitals and perineum.

She spent 77 days in hospital undergoing treatment, wound care and reconstruction. Complete wound healing was documented by Day 121, reported doctors from King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the American Journal of Case Reports.

The woman presented with worsening pain and swelling of the left labia that had spread toward the area above the pubic bone. She also experienced vomiting and lower abdominal pain.

About a week before admission, she had undergone perineal shaving and had a herbal preparation applied to her vulva by an alternative practitioner. She had not used antibiotics or other topical treatments before seeking medical care.

On admission, her heart rate was elevated at 140 beats per minute, although she had no fever and her blood pressure remained normal. Examination showed marked tenderness and swelling, while laboratory tests indicated a significant inflammatory response.

Samples taken from the infected wound grew several different types of bacteria (E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterobacter cloacae). However,  no bacteria were detected in her bloodstream.

After doctors diagnosed her with Fournier gangrene, they performed urgent surgical debridement to remove the affected tissue.

She subsequently underwent multiple surgical re-explorations and negative-pressure wound therapy. 

She was initially given broad-spectrum antibiotics, and later amoxicillin-clavulanate.

Fournier gangrene is a rare, rapidly progressive form of necrotizing fasciitis affecting the perineum and external genitalia. It is often described as a “flesh-eating” infection because bacteria can cause rapid destruction of skin and underlying soft tissue.

The condition is much more common in men, but women can also develop it. Reported male-to-female ratios range from 10:1 to 40:1.

Risk factors include diabetes, obesity, immunosuppression, malnutrition, peripheral vascular disease, kidney disease, malignancy and other serious underlying conditions. However, Fournier gangrene can also occur in people without the classic risk factors.

Local trauma, disruption of the skin barrier and invasive or cosmetic procedures can potentially provide an entry point for infection.

<h2>Why <span rel="noindex">Fournier Gangrene Can Be Missed in Women</span></h2>

The researchers noted that Fournier gangrene may be underrecognized in women, partly because its symptoms can initially resemble a gynecological condition.

Early symptoms may include severe pain, swelling, redness and tenderness around the genital or perineal area. As the infection progresses, tissue destruction, skin discoloration, blisters or systemic signs of severe infection may develop.

"While men are more frequently affected, women should not be assumed to be at low risk. Severe or rapidly worsening pain and swelling around the genital or perineal region, particularly when accompanied by systemic symptoms, warrants urgent medical evaluation," the team said.

<strong>Treatment </strong>generally requires emergency surgical removal of dead and infected tissue along with broad-spectrum antibiotics and intensive supportive care. Survivors may require multiple operations, prolonged hospitalisation and complex wound management.

<h2>How Serious Is Fournier Gangrene?</h2>

Fournier gangrene is a medical emergency. Although rare, it can progress rapidly and become fatal if treatment is delayed.

The condition has historically been associated with high mortality, with risk increasing when diagnosis and surgical treatment are delayed.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

fournier-gangrene-woman-develops-rare-flesh-eating-infection-after-bikini-shave-herbal-application

Fournier Gangrene

Flesh eating Infection

Fournier Gangrene Can Be Missed in Women

ecrotizing fasciitis

Bikini Shave

dementia-is-more-than-forgotten-birthdays-lost-keys-doctors-explain-early-signs-before-memory-loss

Dementia Is More Than Forgotten Birthdays, Lost Keys: Doctors Explain Early Signs Before Memory Loss

trump-orders-childhood-vaccine-changes-which-us-states-are-refusing-to-change-their-schedules

Donald Trump's Order To Change Childhood Vaccine Schedule: Which US States & Countries Have Opposed To It?

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

A 40-year-old woman developed a rare and potentially life-threatening “flesh-eating” infection of the genital and perineal region about a week after shaving her bikini line and an application of herbal preparation.The woman, a mother of four with a BMI of 39 kg/m², was diagnosed with Fournier gangrene, a severe form of necrotizing fasciitis that can rapidly destroy soft tissue around the genitals and perineum.She spent 77 days in hospital undergoing treatment, wound care and reconstruction. Complete wound healing was documented by Day 121, reported doctors from King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the American Journal of Case Reports.Severe Pain and SwellingThe woman presented with worsening pain and swelling of the left labia that had spread toward the area above the pubic bone. She also experienced vomiting and lower abdominal pain.About a week before admission, she had undergone perineal shaving and had a herbal preparation applied to her vulva by an alternative practitioner. She had not used antibiotics or other topical treatments before seeking medical care.On admission, her heart rate was elevated at 140 beats per minute, although she had no fever and her blood pressure remained normal. Examination showed marked tenderness and swelling, while laboratory tests indicated a significant inflammatory response.Samples taken from the infected wound grew several different types of bacteria (E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterobacter cloacae). However,  no bacteria were detected in her bloodstream.Multiple Surgeries  After doctors diagnosed her with Fournier gangrene, they performed urgent surgical debridement to remove the affected tissue.She subsequently underwent multiple surgical re-explorations and negative-pressure wound therapy. She was initially given broad-spectrum antibiotics, and later amoxicillin-clavulanate.What Is Fournier Gangrene?Fournier gangrene is a rare, rapidly progressive form of necrotizing fasciitis affecting the perineum and external genitalia. It is often described as a “flesh-eating” infection because bacteria can cause rapid destruction of skin and underlying soft tissue.The condition is much more common in men, but women can also develop it. Reported male-to-female ratios range from 10:1 to 40:1.Risk factors include diabetes, obesity, immunosuppression, malnutrition, peripheral vascular disease, kidney disease, malignancy and other serious underlying conditions. However, Fournier gangrene can also occur in people without the classic risk factors.Local trauma, disruption of the skin barrier and invasive or cosmetic procedures can potentially provide an entry point for infection.Why Fournier Gangrene Can Be Missed in WomenThe researchers noted that Fournier gangrene may be underrecognized in women, partly because its symptoms can initially resemble a gynecological condition.Early symptoms may include severe pain, swelling, redness and tenderness around the genital or perineal area. As the infection progresses, tissue destruction, skin discoloration, blisters or systemic signs of severe infection may develop."While men are more frequently affected, women should not be assumed to be at low risk. Severe or rapidly worsening pain and swelling around the genital or perineal region, particularly when accompanied by systemic symptoms, warrants urgent medical evaluation," the team said.Treatment generally requires emergency surgical removal of dead and infected tissue along with broad-spectrum antibiotics and intensive supportive care. Survivors may require multiple operations, prolonged hospitalisation and complex wound management.How Serious Is Fournier Gangrene?Fournier gangrene is a medical emergency. Although rare, it can progress rapidly and become fatal if treatment is delayed.The condition has historically been associated with high mortality, with risk increasing when diagnosis and surgical treatment are delayed.

fournier gangrene: woman develops rare flesh-eating infection after bikini shave, herbal application

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Fournier Gangrene: Woman Develops Rare Flesh-eating Infection After Bikini Shave, Herbal Application

Donald Trump's Order To Change Childhood Vaccine Schedule: Which US States & Countries Have Opposed To It?

Supreme Court Asks 19 States, UTs To Declare Cancer Notifiable Disease For Early Detection

BMJ Public Health Retracts Controversial COVID Vaccine Study Cited In US Senate Hearing

Health Conditions A-Z

Fournier Gangrene: Woman Develops Rare Flesh-eating Infection After Bikini Shave, Herbal Application

Dementia Is More Than Forgotten Birthdays, Lost Keys: Doctors Explain Early Signs Before Memory Loss

Donald Trump's Order To Change Childhood Vaccine Schedule: Which US States & Countries Have Opposed To It?