1. Intravenous Antibiotics
Because bacterial infection of bodily tissues is directly related to gangrene, your doctor may elect to begin treatment by giving you intravenous antibiotic medications. This measure may be taken to prevent infection from developing, or to cure an existing infection, depending on the severity and circumstances of your condition.
2. Surgical Intervention Is Often Necessary
The most direct path to curing gangrene is surgery. Your doctor will attempt to retard or stop the spread of gangrene by excising any dead tissue around the site, then repairing ruptured blood vessels to encourage better blood flow to the area to speed healing.
After the primary procedure, your doctor might graft some replacement skin over the damaged tissue to speed healing, decrease the risk of infections and secondary complications and improve the appearance of the affected area. However, in some cases, the body part affected by gangrene may need to be amputated altogether. If you seek early treatment, though, this usually won't be necessary, as it's an emergency alternative reserved for severe and life-threatening cases.
3. Use a Hyperbaric Chamber
If your tissue damage is the result of gas gangrene, you might be recommended for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. During this treatment, you'll be placed in a highly pressurized oxygen chamber which will help heal your gangrene by promoting the increased flow of blood enriched with extra oxygen to the affected area.
4. Secondary Care for Gangrene Patients
Your supervising medical staff will also offer supportive treatments to make you more comfortable and boost your body's natural defenses while you recover from gangrene. Your body needs an ample supply of vitamins and nutrients, as well as plenty of fluids, to facilitate a speedy and safe recovery.
Gangrene can be painful, especially if surgery was necessary to correct the problem. Tell your doctor if you're having trouble coping with the pain so that you can be prescribed drugs that will reduce your discomfort until you've fully healed.
