What is Wet Gangrene?
Gangrene is a serious condition where a loss of blood supply causes body tissue to die. It can affect any part of the body but typically starts in the toes, feet, fingers and hands.
Wet gangrene is gangrene due to necrotizing bacterial infections, including necrotizing fasciitis. Wet gangrene should be distinguished from "dry" gangrene, which is due to ischemia.
What are the causes?
This can occur as the result of an injury, an infection, or an underlying condition that affects your circulation.
What are the risk factors?
People most at risk of gangrene are those with an underlying health condition that can affect the blood vessels and arteries (particularly if it's poorly managed), and those with a weakened immune system.
he symptoms of gangrene vary depending on the underlying cause. It can affect any part of the body but typically starts in the toes, feet, fingers or hands.
What are the symptoms of wet gangrene?
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
If the area is infected, you may also have other signs related to the underlying infection, such as:
A high temperature (fever)
Loss of appetite
Rapid heartbeat and breathing
Dizziness
Shivering
How is gangrene diagnosed?
A diagnosis of gangrene is based on a combination of physical examination, medical history and tests which may include:
Blood tests
Fluid or tissue culture
Blood cultures
Imaging tests – a range of imaging tests, such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans or computerized tomography (CT) scans
Surgery –to confirm a diagnosis of gangrene deeper inside the body.
What is the treatment of gangrene?
Treatment for gangrene involves removing the affected tissue, preventing infection or treating any existing infection, and treating the problem that led to gangrene developing.
