Fournier's gangrene is an uncommon disease of the male genital area and sometimes the lower section of the abdomen, according to the "Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery." Anaerobic bacteria and fungi cause Fournier's disease, which commonly strikes men in their 60s or 70s. The disease can also infect women, but such occurrences are less often than men. More often than not the disease results in the necrosis of infected areas. Fournier's gangrene can even cause septic shock if the disease spreads to a large enough area, notes MayoClinic.com. There are methods of treating Fournier's gangrene.
Antibiotic, Antifungal and Immunoglobulin Treatment
Fournier's gangrene has been responsive to broad-spectrum antibiotics, notes the "Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery" and MayoClinic.com. The antibiotics used are those that target the anaerobic bacteria responsible for Fournier's gangrene. The disease may also be treated with immunoglobulin intravenously to manage sepsis. Fournier's gangrene may also require antifungal treatment, explains the "Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery." This is typically done in tandem with antibiotic treatment if the presence of fungi is detected in the infection.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment
Fournier's gangrene is responsive to hyperbaric oxygen treatment, explains MayoClinic.com. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment essentially involves placing the patient inside a sealed chamber. The chamber is then filled with oxygen and pressurized up to almost three times the regular atmospheric pressure. High atmospheric pressure and pure oxygen are vital to the success of hyperbaric oxygen treatment, explains MayoClinic.com. The high-pressure, oxygen-rich environment allows blood to carry more oxygen than usual. Because Fournier's gangrene is caused by bacteria, which thrive in the absence of oxygen, exposure to an oxygen-rich environment is anathema to it.
Increased Nutrient Intake and Pain Medication
Fournier's gangrene may also require increased intake in food and fluids to help stimulate the body's immune system, according to MayoClinic.com. Painkillers may also be necessary to help manage pain. This form of treatment is often done in tandem with others, depending on the extent of the infection.
Surgical Removal of Diseased Tissue and Skin Grafting
Fournier's gangrene will often require the diseased tissue to be surgically removed, notes the "Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery." If surgery is performed in time, it may also be possible to salvage and repair much of the infected area. Skin grafts may also be necessary to reconstruct the affected area after the gangrenous tissue has been excised, explains MayoClinic.com. If the extent of infection is severe, it may then be necessary to amputate the diseased area completely, explains the "Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery."
