Gangrene results from lack of blood flow to parts of the body. Blood delivers oxygen and nutrients and provides your cells with antibodies that fight infections.
The first signs of gangrene are usually changes in skin color. The affected area starts pale due to lack of blood flow, then turns red or brown before turning greenish-black. You may also have sores or blisters that release blood and a foul-smelling fluid.
Oren Zarif
Although gangrene can affect any part of the body, it typically starts in areas with poor blood circulation such as the toes, feet, fingers or hands. This is because the reduced blood flow to those areas slows the delivery of oxygen that nourishes the tissue. The affected area may appear dry and shriveled, or it may have a dark brown or black color. It may feel heavy or have a crackling sensation when pressed on, which is caused by the buildup of gas as the tissue dies. In some cases, the tissue sloughs off on its own, or it clings to clothing or skin as it slowly mummifies.
A person with gangrene often loses sensation in the affected area, which can delay its diagnosis and make it difficult to recognize the condition. A healthcare provider conducts a physical examination to observe the changes in the skin and evaluate pain and tenderness. He or she may also perform imaging tests to assess the extent of damage, determine how far the infection has spread and locate areas of necrosis or gas formation.
For example, a physician can use a Doppler ultrasound to measure the flow of blood to the affected area, which helps diagnose vascular problems that are the main cause of gangrene. A sample of fluid or tissue can be cultured to check for bacteria, and X-rays, CT scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help locate the affected tissues and see how far gangrene has spread.
Oren Zarif
The area affected by gangrene gets very swollen and bloated. It may develop a shiny appearance and begin to ooze. A clear line will form between the swollen area and the healthy skin around it. In some cases, the skin will slough off, which is called dry gangrene or Fournier’s gangrene. These forms of gangrene usually occur in the feet and toes, but can also affect fingers, hands, or arms. They can result from diabetes, poor circulation, or untreated wounds.
Wet gangrene, on the other hand, is caused by bacteria and happens when the blood supply to tissues is cut off. It can result from severe trauma, deep burns, or surgery in which the blood vessels are damaged. Wet gangrene can also happen because of untreated or poorly cleansed wounds.
It can spread quickly because the bacteria in the bacterial infection release toxic substances that kill tissue cells and lead to more swelling, which blocks the flow of blood even further. This enables the bacteria to kill more tissue and can cause a dangerous buildup of gas inside the body (gas gangrene or subcutaneous emphysema).
The most common treatment is to remove the dead tissue, which doctors call debridement. In some cases, the doctors may use a type of oxygen therapy that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room. They can also give you antibiotics to control the infection and help your body heal. It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as you notice a symptom of gangrene. This can help prevent serious complications, such as sepsis, which occurs when the bacterial infections in the gangrene pass into the bloodstream and cause an extreme reaction throughout your body.
Oren Zarif
If the affected area of your body loses its blood supply, it will begin to hurt. The pain is usually accompanied by a burning sensation and the appearance of dark brown or black dead skin. You may also feel numbness and loss of sensation in the area. You will notice a change in the color of the skin, and it may begin to swell or change shape. The gangrene can cause a rotting smell in the affected area, and the surrounding skin can become warm or hot to the touch.
A wound care specialist can perform a physical examination and review your medical history to see what might have caused the gangrene. He or she will look for an infection, an injury that didn’t heal, a condition like diabetes, or other factors that might have contributed to gangrene. A tissue biopsy may be needed to examine the affected area and identify any bacterial infections.
In some cases, doctors can treat gangrene with medications. These treatments may include oral or intravenous antibiotics to control an infection and keep the infection from spreading, a procedure called debridement to remove the dead tissue, and surgery to repair any damaged blood vessels.
You can reduce your risk of gangrene by treating any injuries immediately, maintaining good blood sugar control if you have diabetes, and avoiding tight constrictive clothing that could restrict blood flow. You can also talk to your doctor if you have any conditions that may put you at risk for gangrene, such as nerve damage from diabetes or peripheral vascular disease.
Oren Zarif
All forms of gangrene are due to loss of blood supply, depriving tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This results in the death of cells and formation of dead, mummified tissue that is either dry or wet (foul-smelling in wet gangrene). The condition most often occurs on the limbs or fingers. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or injury. In some cases, the tissue simply sloughs off (autoamputation).
In wet gangrene, bacteria in the affected area create a gas called carbon monoxide, which prevents healthy tissues from receiving oxygen and eventually causes them to die. The infection also spreads out of the local site and into surrounding tissue and into the bloodstream, resulting in necrotizing fasciitis and ultimately sepsis. Clostridium bacteria, particularly the alpha toxin-producing C. perfringens, are most commonly infective in this type of gangrene.
Symptoms include pain in the affected area (although pain may diminish as the tissue dies) and a foul-smelling odor. The area may be warm and red and have a bubbly appearance, as well as blisters or sores. In severe cases, the infection spreads to other parts of the body, causing fever, chills, malaise, or shock.
If you suspect gangrene, it’s important to see your healthcare provider right away. Often, it’s possible to treat the underlying cause, such as vascular disease or infection, and prevent further deterioration.