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GANGRENE
ABSTRACT -
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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