The gas is produced by the infectious bacteria and is highly toxic, causing the necrosis to spread quickly. A doctor will carry out a physical examination and take a medical history, to find out about symptoms and potential exposure to infection or trauma.
If gangrene is suspected, further diagnostic tests will be used to determine the type and extent of the necrosis, and to detect or rule out gas gangrene.
Tests of blood, tissue, and any discharge may be carried out to identify any bacterial infection. Anyone with suspected symptoms of gangrene needs immediate medical attention, to reduce the risk of serious complication and death. The most severe form, gas gangrene, is fatal without treatment. A hyperbaric chamber of high-pressure oxygen improves oxygen supply to the wounds by encouraging the formation of new blood vessels, and by causing greater dissolution of oxygen in the plasma.
Treatment takes place in a pressure chamber, and it involves inhaling pure oxygen at 2. Side effects can include pressure-related trauma to the ears or nose and temporary near-sightedness. Supervision by a qualified professional can prevent decompression sickness and non-lethal convulsions caused by oxygen toxicity.
Measures to help people who are susceptible to gangrene reduce their risk include :. For those at risk, regular visits to a podiatrist for foot care and treatment can reduce the risk of gangrene developing. Different skin types require different skin care products. Read on to learn more about the best skin care products for each skin type. A look at crepey skin, a common complaint where the skin looks thin and wrinkled.
During this procedure, clean fly larvae are placed on the affected area to eat away dead tissue and remove bacteria. This is a painless procedure. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. During this procedure, you are placed in a special pressurized chamber that administers oxygen at high pressures, forcing more oxygen into the affected area.
This can promote speed healing and help kill bacteria. This treatment is especially effective in people who develop gangrene from diabetic foot ulcers.
Vascular surgery. If your gangrene is caused by poor blood flow, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery to improve your circulation.
People whose gangrene is a result of a blocked artery, for example, may have bypass surgery or an angioplasty to fix the problem. What are the complications of gangrene? Treating these large areas may result in: Large areas of scarring The need for reconstructive surgery Amputation Severe cases of gangrene may lead to organ failure and even death. What can I do to prevent gangrene? When should I call my healthcare provider?
Key points Gangrene is a dangerous and potentially fatal condition that happens when the blood flow to a large group of tissues is cut off. Symptoms of gangrene include coldness, numbness, pain, redness, or swelling in the affected area.
Amputation is sometimes needed. Next steps Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen. Before your visit, write down questions you want answered. Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you. Gas gangrene typically affects deep muscle tissue.
If you have gas gangrene, the surface of your skin may look normal at first. As the condition worsens, your skin may become pale and then turn gray or purplish red. The skin may look bubbly and may make a crackling sound when you press on it because of the gas within the tissue. Gas gangrene is most commonly caused by infection with a bacterium called Clostridium perfringens.
Bacteria gather in an injury or surgical wound that has no blood supply. The bacterial infection produces toxins that release gas and cause tissue death.
Like wet gangrene, gas gangrene is a life-threatening condition. Internal gangrene. Gangrene that affects one or more of your organs, such as your intestines, gallbladder or appendix, is called internal gangrene. This type of gangrene occurs when blood flow to an internal organ is blocked — for example, when your intestines bulge through a weakened area of muscle in your stomach area hernia and become twisted.
Gangrene can lead to serious complications if it's not immediately treated. Bacteria can spread quickly to other tissues and organs. You may need to have a body part removed amputated to save your life. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Dial immediately to request an ambulance if you suspect that you or someone you know is in septic shock. Page last reviewed: 16 August Next review due: 16 August General symptoms of gangrene include: initial redness and swelling either a loss of sensation or severe pain in the affected area sores or blisters that bleed or release a dirty-looking or foul-smelling discharge if the gangrene is caused by an infection the skin becoming cold and pale Credit:.
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