Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Gangrene is a medical term used to describe the death of an area of the body. It develops when
the blood supply is cut off to the affected part as a result of various processes, such as infection,
vascular (pertaining to blood vessels) disease, or trauma. Gangrene can involve any part of the
body; the most common sites include the toes, fingers, feet, and hands.
Two major types of gangrene exist:
Dry gangrene is caused by a reduction of blood flow through the arteries. It appears
gradually and progresses slowly. In most people, the affected part does not become
infected. In this type of gangrene, the tissue becomes cold and black, begins to dry, and
eventually sloughs off. Dry gangrene is commonly seen in people with blockage of
arteries (arteriosclerosis) resulting from increased cholesterol levels, diabetes, cigarette
smoking, and genetic and other factors.
Gangrene Symptoms
Patient Comments Share Your Story
Dry gangrene:
o The affected area becomes cold and numb.
o Initially, the affected area becomes red.
o Then, it develops a brown discoloration.
o Finally, it becomes black and shriveled.
Gas gangrene:
o The wound is infected.
o A brown-red or bloody discharge may ooze from the affected tissues.
o Gas produced by Clostridia may produce a crackling sensation when the affected
area is pressed.
o It becomes swollen.
o Pain in the affected area is severe.
o The affected person develops fever, increased heart rate, and rapid breathing if the
toxins spread into the bloodstream.
Symptoms of gangrene
The symptoms of gangrene vary depending on the underlying cause. The condition can
affect any part of the body, but typically starts in the toes, feet, fingers or hands.
General symptoms of gangrene include:
In some cases, the affected limb may feel heavy and pressing the skin may produce a crackling
sound. These symptoms are caused by a build-up of gas under the skin.
If the area is infected, you may also have other signs related to the underyling infection, such as:
loss of appetite
dizziness
shivering
Without treatment the affected tissue will start to die. When this happens, the area changes colour
from red to brown to purple or black, before shrivelling up and falling away from the
surrounding healthy tissue.
When to seek medical advice
The earlier treatment begins, the more successful it is likely to be. Contact your GP immediately
if you notice:
a persistent fever
If your GP is not available, call NHS 111 or your local out-of-hours service for advice.
When to seek emergency help
If bacteria from gangrene pass into your bloodstream, you could go into septic shock. This is a
life-threatening condition that happens when an infection causes your blood pressure to drop to a
dangerously low level.
breathing difficulties
vomiting
diarrhoea