How to Treat Toe Gangrene

Gangrene in the toes is almost always associated with diabetes or arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and results from poor circulation in the feet. On occasion the condition can be caused by an extreme injury, like frostbite, but most often it is a result of decreased blood flow to the feet. When the blood does not circulate properly, even small injuries can become gangrenous. Worse yet, for diabetics and others who are slow to heal anyway, the problems can escalate quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Peroxide
• Topical antibiotic
• Gauze or bandages
• Clean, dry cotton socks
• Lotion

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor. Gangrene occurs when your skin and muscle tissue begins to die because of an infection and lack of circulation. Without treatment and antibiotics, the tissue death spreads rapidly and may require amputation. Expect that the parts of the toe that are already dead may have to be removed. Most often this can be done in outpatient surgery. The sooner your injury is treated, the less likely you are to lose the toe completely.

• 2

  Keep the area clean and dry. Follow your doctor's instructions for cleaning the wound. Use peroxide to rinse the wound clean and then apply a topical antibiotic cream to the area.

• 3

  Cover the area with gauze bandages and then clean cotton socks. Cotton will pull moisture away from the injury and promote air circulation for healing.

• 4

  Keep your foot elevated to make it easier for the heart to pump blood to the injured area. Avoid shoes or clothing that restricts your blood flow.

• 5

  Massage the lower legs and feet with a moisturizing lotion, being sure to avoid the affected toe. This helps increase the blood flow to the feet and allow your bloodstream to carry nourishment and antibiotics to speed healing.