It sometimes results from surgery in which the blood supply has become damaged. Dry forms result from a progressive loss of blood supply to tissues. Dry forms can become wet forms if they develop a bacterial infection. All forms of gangrene happen because of a loss of blood supply to a certain area. This deprives tissue of oxygen and nutrients, causing the tissue to die. Wet forms can develop from :. Risk factors for gangrene include :. The part will be cold to the touch, and there will be a loss of pulse in the arteries.
There may not be any external signs of internal gangrene, but the following may occur as a result of septic shock and other complications:. Gas gangrene can produce all of these symptoms, and others. The infected area of skin can quickly extend, with some changes visible within minutes. In gas gangrene, the skin may :. This is known as subcutaneous emphysema. 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. 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 underlying infection, such as:.
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.
The earlier treatment for gangrene begins, the more effective it's likely to be. Gangrene comes in 2 forms, dry and wet: Dry gangrene occurs when the blood supply to tissue is cut off.
The area becomes dry, shrinks, and turns black. Wet gangrene occurs if bacteria invade this tissue. This makes the area swell, drain fluid, and smell bad. What causes gangrene? Gangrene happens when blood supply to certain tissues is stopped. This can happen due to: An infection An injury such as a burn or combat wound A chronic disease Chronic diseases that harm the circulatory system include diabetes, peripheral artery disease, and Raynaud's disease.
Who is at risk for gangrene? What are the symptoms of gangrene? These are other symptoms of gangrene: Coldness and numbness in the affected area Pain in or beyond the affected area Redness and swelling around a wound this is often present when wet gangrene develops Sores that keep cropping up in the same place Persistent, unexplained fever, with a temperature higher than How is gangrene diagnosed?
How is gangrene treated? Your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment plan for you based on: Your age, overall health, and medical history How sick you are How well you handle certain medicines, treatments, or therapies If your condition is expected to get worse The opinion of the healthcare providers involved in your care Your opinion and preference Treatment of gangrene will usually consist of 1 or more of these procedures: Antibiotics.
These medicines can be used to kill bacteria in the affected area. They are used only when wet gangrene is present Surgery to remove the dead tissue. This is called debridement. It can help keep the gangrene from spreading to healthy tissues nearby.
In cases where the gangrene is widespread, a finger, toe, or even a limb may need to be amputated. Maggot debridement. This is a nonsurgical alternative to traditional debridement. 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.
0コメント