Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Go to an emergency department or call emergency services now for severe or rapidly worsening pain around the genitals, anus, groin, or nearby skin, especially when there is swelling, fever, skin discoloration, or a serious feeling of illness.
Emergency help is also needed for:
Confusion, fainting, severe weakness, or difficulty staying awake
Fast or difficult breathing
Grey, purple, or black skin
Blisters, foul-smelling fluid, or rapidly spreading swelling
Severe pain around a recent wound, operation, abscess, or infection
Call emergency services if these occur with confusion, breathing difficulty, collapse, or rapidly worsening illness.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Do not wait for all symptoms to appear.
During recovery, contact the treating team promptly about increasing wound pain, new discharge, fever, wound opening, or problems with a catheter or stoma.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Do not rely on a routine appointment if symptoms are progressing quickly.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.