Gangrene is a medical condition that refers to tissue death that occurs as the result of blood supply loss. Gangrene can develop in any area of the body, including internal organs, skin and limbs. Common symptoms of gangrene include severe pain, numbness, discharge coming from the affected area and discoloration of the affected area. Different types of toe gangrene may be caused by several factors such as bacterial infection, trauma or blood vessel damage.
Blood Vessel Damage
Gangrene in the toes and foot typically is caused by damaged blood vessels. Blood cannot circulate to other areas of the body when a blood vessel is blocked. Individuals with diabetes can develop gangrene in the toes. This occurs because high glucose levels feed bacterial and other pathogens, which enables the infection to grow, the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse explains. Decreased blood flow can slow down healing and ultimately lead to gangrene if left untreated. Atherosclerosis, or blood vessel hardening associated with blood clots, and high cholesterol may contribute to gangrene development in areas such as the toes.
Trauma
Trauma to the toes can cause blood circulation to stop and gangrene to set in. Examples of trauma that may turn into gangrene if left untreated include severe burns and frostbite. Injuries to limbs may lead to a bacterial infection and tissue death. Trauma-related gangrene, often called wet gangrene, develops from infected tissue that has blocked blood circulation. According to the MayoClinic.com, diabetics with foot injuries are more prone to this type of gangrene as the result of diabetic neuropathy, a condition characterized by loss of sensation.
Bacterial Infection
Often occurring after surgery, bacterial infections can cause gangrene in the foot area. Clostridium perfringens, a specific bacteria, causes gas gangrene when it invades an injury site or surgical wound, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. This type of gangrene infection manifests itself by discoloration and blistering of the skin. If left untreated, this condition may prove fatal.
