Groin of a male patient with Fournier gangrene of the scrotum and penis. This is a rare type of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) that affects the genitals and perianal area. It is more common in males than females. Fournier gangrene is most often a polymicrobial infection, that is it is caused by infection with more than one species of bacterium. As the infection spreads the bacteria release toxins and enzymes that lead to tissue death (necrosis). Treatment is with surgery to remove infected tissue and antibiotics and skin grafts, although mortality rates are high.