Gangrene refers to the decay and death of body tissues resulting from a bacterial infection. This typically occurs when the blood supply to a certain area becomes blocked, leaving it susceptible to bacterial and other pathogens, according to MayoClinic.com. Gangrene commonly occurs in the toes, fingers and other extremities. Patients who suffer from an underlying conditions such as diabetes or atherosclerosis are at greater risk for developing gangrene. Treatment for gangrene varies based on the location and type of gangrene, but often includes a combination of antibiotics, surgery and therapy.
Symptoms
Dry gangrene symptoms typically include numbness and cooling within the affected area. Discoloration will begin with the affected area turning red, brown and eventually blue or black, reports MayoClinic.com. Subsequently, the skin will shrivel and slough or fall of the body. Wet gangrene causes pain and swelling in the affected area and typically shows signs of deterioration or decay such as oozing pus or liquid. Normally, a foul-smelling odor develops along with the tissue or affected area displaying a black appearance.
Treatment
Tissue damaged by gangrene, whether by the wet or dry types, cannot be saved and must ultimately be removed. Normally, a surgeon will remove the skin and other tissue damaged by the condition. Wet gangrene is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate surgical removal of the damaged tissue before infection spreads to the bloodstream. Whether administered orally or intravenously, antibiotics are normally prescribed depending on the type of gangrene diagnosed. In extreme cases, the affected limb might need to be amputated or removed to completely stop the spread of the infection. Doctors can also use a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to treat internal or wet gangrene to increase the oxygen levels of the affected area and stimulate blood circulation, according to NHS Clinical Knowledge Summaries.
Prevention
Gangrene can typically be prevented by keeping open wounds well covered and clean, especially if the patient suffers from an autoimmune disease or diabetes, reports MayoClinic.com. Patients should also pay attention to signs and symptoms of gangrene infection such as redness or pus or liquid discharge from the wound. In cold weather, people should wear adequate clothing, especially on the feet and hands, because frostbite can lead to gangrene.
