Necrotizing fasciitis of the vulva.

Sixteen cases of necrotizing fasciitis arising from or involving the vulva are presented. Fifteen of the 16 women had diabetes mellitus. Five of them died. All but one of these cases were managed by very extensive excision of all involved tissues. These cases demonstrate the extreme seriousness of any infection involving the vulva in a diabetic patient. Such patients should have the infected area explored while they are under anesthesia as soon as possible. If any necrosis is found, radical excision to include removal of all necrotic, indurated, and pale tissues is mandatory.