ABSTRACT – Gangrene is a serious condition which results in amputation of limb or death of the tissues due...
Gangrene
Gangrene is a serious condition which results in amputation of limb or death of the tissues due to lack of oxygen rich blood flow in the body. It generally affects the toes, fingers, limbs and can also occur in the muscles, damaging the internal organs.
Types –
Dry Gangrene
Wet Gangrene
Gas Gangrene
Fournier’s Gangrene
CAUSES –
Bacterial infection
Minor arterial disease
Smoking
Trauma or severe injury
Obesity
Diabetes
Atherosclerosis
Raynaud’s phenomenon, a condition which reduces the blood flow and skin become sporadically narrowed
Weakened immune system
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
Changes in the color of the skin depending upon the type of gangrene
Swelling and pain in the infected part
Blisters or sores filled with fluid on the skin.
Stinking smell discharge from a sore
Feeling of numbness and cold
Thin, shiny appearance on the skin, or skin without hair
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Low blood pressure and faintness
DIAGNOSIS –
X-ray
MRI, CT Scans
Blood test
Imaging test
Surgery to extract the tissue samples to determine the level of necrosis (cell injury)
Fluid or tissue culture to examine the blister fluid appearing on the skin
TREATMENT –
Surgery
Antibiotics
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy improves the oxygen supply in the infected area forming new blood cells and vessels
PREVENTIONS
Checking for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling on the feet
Medical foot health check up
Don’t use chemical substances for corns, calluses, and in-growing toenails
Wash the wound with mild soap and warm water
Clean between the toes and try to keep them dry
Inspect the signs of frostbite
Avoid walking barefoot
Maintain weight to prevent diabetes, arterial disease, and poor wound healing
Avoid smoking
EPIDEMIOLOGY –
Estimation shows that this condition can happen to both genders equally.
Diabetic patients are more prone to get affected from Gangrene.
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