Gangrene is a form of decay develops because the body is unable to deliver blood to some tissues situated in a specific part of the body. Some of the most common causes of gangrene are infections, trauma, diseases which affect the arteries, etc.

To gain effective and timely treatment, you should be aware of the early signs of gangrene. This because as the stages of gangrene advance, they can even cause amputation or death. The following are some early signs of gangrene

• A wound or an infection that doesn’t get better
• Fever that isn’t subsiding
• Increased heart rate
• Discoloration of the affected part which eventually turns darker and drier
• Blisters which may contain discharge or are bleeding
• Vomiting
• Peeling of the skin with a visible line forming between the healthy and infected skin
• Infected area appearing to be shiny
• Coldness and loss of sensation in the affected area

Based on the causes, the early signs of gangrene can occur in diverse combinations for every patient. Instantly get in a touch with your general practitioner or specialist, if you observe any of these initial signs of gangrene.

The doctor will diagnose gangrene with the help of medical history and signs. Some of the methods that your GP may use are blood tests, x-rays, MRI scans, lab tests of the infected tissue, etc.

Treatment of gangrene in its early stages
If your condition is identified in its initial stage with the help of early signs of gangrene, then the following treatment methods will be used.

• Antibiotics If the doctor diagnoses a bacterial attack, then you will be prescribed antibiotics to fight them off. These can be introduced in your system intravenously or via blood by using a needle.
• Hyperbaric oxygen chamber In this procedure, the doctor will isolate the patient in an oxygen-rich chamber that can aid in decelerating the gangrene growth. Subsequently, the damaged skin receives pure oxygen, and it gets an opportunity to initiate the healing process.
• Vascular treatment For patients suffering from poor blood circulation, especially the ones with diabetes have to opt for vascular surgeries to treat gangrene. This type of treatment involves unblocking the arteries or veins so that the body’s circulation levels could be normalized.
• Tissue debridement This type of treatment requires the elimination of infected tissues. This facilitates the growth of healthy tissues around the affected area and ceases any further spread of bacteria.

To prevent gangrene from reoccurring, you will have to adopt healthy nutritional regime, hygiene practices as well lifestyle changes.

Gangrene is a condition which occurs when some tissues in a particular part of the body perish due to lack of oxygen-rich blood. Often this can happen in the hands or the feet, but it can arise in any part of the body. It is important to understand that gangrene is a serious condition and needs to be addressed right away, as it can lead to amputation or even be fatal.

Primarily there are two types of gangrene, i.e., wet and dry gangrene.

• Dry gangrene Also known as mummification, this kind of decay progresses at a slower pace and is mostly a result of chronic disorders such as diabetes. In such cases, the skin turns dry, dark and wrinkled. Apart from hyperglycemia, it can be the consequence of Raynaud’s disease, severe burns, frostbite, etc.
• Wet gangrene In this type of gangrene, the skin gets inflamed and creates blister which may contain pus. Typically wet gangrene can develop due to injuries, embolism, and a fragile immune system.

Apart from wet and dry gangrene, there are two rare types of gangrene, i.e., gas and Fournier’s.

• Gas gangrene This form of infection rarely occurs, but it can be life-threatening. It is when the infection takes place in inside the body, mostly because of trauma. Bacteria known as clostridia is responsible for gas gangrene as it releases poisons which radiates through the entire body along with gas trapped within the tissues. As the stages of gas gangrene progress, the skin begins to turn paler and when pressed makes a snapping noise due to the stuck gas.
• Fournier’s gangrene This kind of gangrene attacks the genital area and is relatively rare. But it is more prevalent in men. However, both women and children can contract it. Fournier’s gangrene is caused due to hysterectomies, bladder infections, urinary tract disease and abscesses.

Ten early signs of gangrene

• Glossy appearance of the skin
• Shedding of the skin with a discernable line forming between the affected and healthy area
• Wound that does not appear to better
• Discoloration of the infected area which turns dry and dark
• The affected part will be cold
• Loss of sensation
• Nausea
• Faster pulse rate
• Fever
• Bleeding or pus-producing blisters

Depending on the type of case, these early signs of gangrene may vary from person to person. If you notice any of the early signs of gangrene mentioned above, immediately notify the doctor. Without medical intervention, gangrene can spread to the blood and result in sepsis.