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Tips for Gangrene

Gangrene refers to dead or dying tissue and is known by two major types: wet and dry. A variant of wet gangrene is called internal or gas gangrene. Dry gangrene progresses slowly and normally infection does not occur. Wet gangrene is more dangerous and infection, if left untreated, can spread rapidly and cause sepsis and death. Gangrene can affect any part of the body but most commonly the toes, feet, hands and fingers.

  1. Symptoms

    • Dry gangrene symptoms include the affected area becoming cool and numb. Discoloration will begin with the area turning red, then brown and eventually black or blue. The skin will then shrivel and may start to slough off the body. Wet gangrene causes swelling and pain in the affected area and may show signs of decay such as oozing liquid or pus. A foul-smelling odor occurs along with the tissue displaying a black appearance, and the patient may have a fever.

    Treatment

    • Tissue damaged by gangrene cannot be saved, so whether it is wet or dry gangrene, the tissue will have to be removed. A surgeon will remove the skin and any underlying tissue damaged by the gangrene. Wet gangrene is a medical emergency and will need to be treated quickly before infection can spread to the bloodstream. Antibiotics are given orally or intravenously depending on the type of gangrene involved. In extreme cases a limb may have to be removed to stop the infection from spreading. Some doctors may use a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to treat wet or internal gangrene. The chamber is filled with pure oxygen, and in the pressurized environment your blood will be able to carry more oxygen. Blood rich in oxygen is able to fight infection more effectively.

    Prevention

    • Gangrene can be prevented by using these suggestions. If you have an open wound, keep it clean and well covered, especially if you suffer from diabetes or other autoimmune disease. Watch for signs of infection such as redness and a liquid or pus discharge from the wound. Use adequate clothing in cold weather, especially on hands and feet as frostbite can lead to gangrene. If you have a suspicious wound, don't delay in alerting your doctor.

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