Definition

Gangrene is the death of body tissue from lack of blood. There are two types:

• Dry—lack of blood causes the tissue to die
• Wet—bacteria infect the tissue

Causes

It is caused by a lack of blood to tissues in the body.

Risk Factors

Things that raise the risk are:

• Having health problems that affect blood flow, such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease
• Trauma
• Surgery
• Burns
• Dog bites
• Frostbite
• Obesity
• A weak immune system

Symptoms

Symptoms start slow and then get worse. They may be:

• Redness and swelling
• Pain with later loss of feeling in the body part
• Sores or blisters that leak a bloody or bad-smelling fluid
• Cold or pale skin
• Lightheadedness
• Fever and chills
• Lack of hunger
• Fast breathing
• Fast heartbeat

Gangrene of the Foot Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.

Blood tests will be done to check for infection. Discharge and tissue may also be tested.

Images may be taken. This can be done with:

• X-ray
• MRI scan
• CT scan

Some people may need surgery to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends on how much tissue has died and whether it has spread.

Prevention

To lower the chance of gangrene:

• Manage health problems.
• Stay at a healthy weight.
• Do not smoke.
• Care for cuts, sores, or wounds right away.
• Protect skin from extreme cold.