noun
verb
Gangrene is death of body tissue due to a lack of blood flow or a serious bacterial infection. Gangrene commonly affects the arms and legs, including the toes and fingers. It can also occur in the muscles and in organs inside the body, such as the gallbladder.
A condition that can damage the blood vessels and affect blood flow, such as diabetes or hardened arteries (atherosclerosis), increases the risk of gangrene.
Treatments for gangrene may include antibiotics, oxygen the...
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When gangrene affects the skin, signs and symptoms may include:
If gangrene affects tissues beneath the surface of your skin, such as gas gangrene or internal gangrene, you may also have a low-grade fever and generally feel unwell.
If the germs that caused the gangrene spread through the body, a condition called septic shock can occur. Signs and symptoms of septic shock include:
Causes of gangrene include:
Tissue that has been damaged by gangrene can't be saved. But treatment is available to help prevent gangrene from getting worse. The faster you get treatment, the better your chance for recovery.
Treatment for gangrene may include one or more of the following:
Pain medications may be given to relieve discomfort. Surgery or other procedures Depending on the type of gangrene and its severity, more than one surgery may be needed. Surgery ...
Here are a few ways to help reduce the risk of developing gangrene:
For informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
© Mayo Clinic
