Reviewed by: Dr. Nayana Shetty
Disclaimer: Informative, not prescriptive.
Gangrene is tissue death caused by disrupted blood flow, typically resulting from injury or infection to the skin or soft tissue.
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Gangrene commonly affects toes, fingers, and limbs, with less frequent involvement of muscles or organs.
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People with diabetes and circulation problems have a high gangrene risk. Also, surgery, injury, and weak immune systems increase its risk.
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There are various types of gangrene each have unique causes: dry, wet, gas, internal, Fournier’s, and progressive bacterial synergistic gangrene.
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Your doctor will inquire about recent injuries and perform clinical examination to detect infections and assess blood flow disruptions using arteriograms, X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to detect gangrene spread.
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Your doctor may perform debridement to surgically remove infected tissue, followed by a skin graft for repair depending upon the severity of gangrene. Antibiotics are essential to combat infection. In severe cases, amputation may be necessary.
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To lower your risk of gangrene, regularly check hands and feet for signs of infection, especially with diabetes. Maintain a healthy weight, avoid frostbite, and quit smoking.