Gangrene​

Gangrene is a serious medical condition where the tissues of the body die due to lack of blood supply, severe infection, or injury. It commonly affects the toes, feet, fingers, hands, and limbs.

Types of Gangrene

Dry Gangrene

Caused by reduced or blocked blood flow.
Tissue becomes dry, shrinks, and turns brown or black.
Common in diabetic patients and those with poor circulation.

Wet Gangrene

Caused by bacterial infection
Swelling, pus, and foul smell
Spreads quickly → life-threatening

Gas Gangrene

Caused by *Clostridium* bacteria
Gas bubbles form inside the muscle
Extremely painful and dangerous

Internal Gangrene

Affects internal organs like intestines, gallbladder
Occurs when blood supply stops suddenly
Needs urgent treatment

Causes

  • Diabetes

  • Peripheral artery disease (blocked blood vessels)

  • Severe injury or trauma

  • Frostbite

  • Smoking

  • Low immunity

  • Untreated infections

Signs & Symptoms

  • Skin color change: black, blue, green, or purple

  • Severe pain → later numbness

  • Swelling and blisters

  • Bad odor (especially in wet gangrene)

  • Fever, weakness, and low blood pressure (systemic infection)

Diagnosis

  • Physical examination

  • X-ray, CT scan, MRI

  • Doppler test (blood flow)

  • Tissue culture to identify infection

  • Blood tests

Treatment

  • Removal of dead tissue (Debridement/Surgery)

  • Strong antibiotics

  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

  • Surgeries to restore blood flow

  • In severe cases → amputation to save life


    Note: information is giver for knoleghe purposes only pelse seek your family Doctor for any type or treatment 

Prevention

✔ Control diabetes
✔ Quit smoking
✔ Treat wounds promptly
✔ Keep feet clean and protected
✔ Regular check-ups if you have poor circulation. 

Gangrene is a medical emergency!

If you notice sudden discoloration, loss of sensation, foul-smelling fluid, or severe swelling—seek medical help immediately.