Fournier’s gangrene complicating voluntary depigmentation: case report

Abstract

Introduction: Voluntary depigmentation is characterized by the desire to acquire a lighter complexion, regardless of any pre-existing pigmentation anomaly. It leads some dark-skinned people to depigment themselves, leading to extreme consequences for
the skin such as Fournier's gangrene. Fournier's gangrene is a rapidly progressive necrotizing polymicrobial fasciitis of the genital, perineal and perianal areas, which can be genitourinary, cutaneous or colorectal in origin and potentially lethal. We present a
case of Fournier's gangrene complicating voluntary depigmentation in a 28-year-old man referred for pain and scrotal swelling with crepitations in a febrile context. He had been using dermocorticoid lightening products for 6 months. The infectious work-up was
negative. Scrotal debridement was carried out in conjunction with triple antibiotic therapy. Dressings were applied for 14 days with complete cessation of the use of depigmenting products. A scrotal plasty was performed 6 weeks after the initial surgery. Voluntary depigmentation can be complicated by serious pathologies such as Fournier's gangrene. Its management involves resuscitation, scrotal debridement, antibiotic therapy and complete cessation of depigmentation products.