Various negative influences from the environment have been proven to lead to diseases, which can result in tissue death. Very alarming complications can bring, for example, a so-called gangrene.
What is gangrene?
Gangrene is a condition classified as coagulation necrosis. This means that there is a deficiency of blood flow that causes tissue to die. Gangrene is externally visible because the skin is predominantly affected. A relatively long time may pass before full-blown gangrene occurs. Gangrene can appear as dry or moist disease. The so-called moist gangrene is also called putrefactive gangrene and can express itself, for example, in a leg ulcer.
Causes
Various causal factors play an important role in gangrene. In particular, the final tissue death occurs due to the lack of blood supply to the deficient areas. This means that in the case of gangrene, the skin can no longer be supplied with oxygen and nutrients. Blockage of blood flow occurs as a result of injuries to the blood vessels, bacterial infections or strangulation of blood flow due to swelling of individual organ areas. Special diseases such as diabetes mellitus, physical overweight, obesity, alcohol addiction, tumors, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, and HIV or AIDS can also lead to gangrene. An unhealthy lifestyle with accompanying drug use and smoking as well as advanced age also promote gangrene. After treatment of cancer with radioactive radiation or chemotherapy, dry or wet gangrene can occur as a consequence. If there is extreme malnutrition with a deficiency of proteins and vitamins, the likelihood of gangrene is quite high.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
Gangrene progresses in several stages. Wet gangrene initially causes redness, swelling, and inflammation of the skin, usually accompanied by severe pain and a foreign body sensation in the area. The moist form is manifested by black discolored pus blisters surrounded by thin, fragile skin. If not treated, gangrene can lead to blood poisoning, which is manifested by fever, malaise and severe pain in the affected area, among other symptoms. In dry gangrene, furry patches develop on the feet. The epidermis is usually covered by a callus, which feels cold and rough to the touch. Dry gangrene may develop into moist gangrene as the disease progresses. In the final stages of the disease, the skin turns dark and eventually dies. The initial pain subsides and the affected area appears paralyzed and cold. Possible accompanying symptoms of gangrene include cold and colorless feet, dead areas on the toes, and skin ulceration. In wet gangrene, there may be inflammation and itching. The dry form is usually very itchy, and as it progresses, the gangrene scales.
Diagnosis and course
Gangrene progresses in several stages until final tissue necrosis, or cell death. This is considered an advantage in medicine. This lies in the fact that adequate early recognition and treatment of gangrene can be initiated. In wet gangrene, redness, swelling and inflammation occur. These are usually associated with severe pain. In this gangrene, black discolored, pus-filled blisters and parchment-like skin are classic abnormalities. Wet gangrene can lead to blood poisoning. In dry gangrene, patients complain of a cold and furry sensation in the feet. The epidermis is keratinized. When feeling the pulse in the area of a gangrene, it cannot be perceived. There is a risk that a dry gangrene will turn into a wet gangrene. In the final stage of a gangrene, the skin is dead and turns black. There is no more pain. Skin ulcers, dead areas on the toes, and colorless and cool feet are significant in diagnosing gangrene. In the case of moist gangrene, a swab may be subjected to microbiological examination to provide clarity.
Complications
Gangrene causes discomfort to the skin. The skin is relatively dry and has red patches.The spots are usually itchy and swollen. There is also pressure pain, and in rare cases there is also pain at rest. As the disease progresses, the spots on the skin discolor and take on a dark color. In the worst case, gangrene can cause bacteria and viruses to enter the patient’s bloodstream. This can result in blood poisoning, which in the worst case can lead to death if not treated immediately. Furthermore, other organs can also be damaged and infected by the gangrene. If the gangrene has spread to a large extent, amputation of the affected part of the body may be necessary. This usually results in considerable movement restrictions for the patient. In harmless cases, treatment is carried out with the help of antibiotics. Small regions can be surgically removed so that there is no further discomfort as long as the infection does not spread further.
When should you go to the doctor?
A visit to the doctor is necessary as soon as repeated or persistent circulatory problems occur. If the feet or hands are cooling unusually quickly, this is an unusual health condition that should be checked. In case of numbness on the skin, sensitivity disorders or hypersensitivity to temperature as well as touch influences, a doctor should be consulted. If there is swelling or ulceration on the skin, a visit to the doctor is necessary. Reddening of the skin or other discolorations should be clarified, since a persistent skin change can conceal a health hazard. If open wounds occur that cannot be treated sterilely, medical help should be sought. If the wound becomes infected, leaks fluid or does not heal within a short time, a doctor is needed. If pain occurs, consultation with a physician must be made before taking a pain medication. If existing symptoms continue to spread or increase in intensity, a doctor is also needed. If the affected person complains of a burning sensation on the skin or if pus develops, it is necessary to seek medical attention. If the limbs are colorless or the skin is pale, it is advisable to report the observations to a doctor. If the affected person experiences a diffuse feeling of illness or malaise, he or she should also contact a physician.
Treatments and therapy
Treatment of gangrene includes professional adjustment of blood glucose levels, achievement of normal blood lipid levels and body weight. Smokers must be denied nicotine and alcohol use when gangrene is present. Blood pressure should be lowered to a healthy level in the presence of gangrene. Gangrene or diabetic foot is treated only by trained personnel. Dead tissue parts are removed surgically. If the course of gangrene is unfavorable, either individual toes, the foot, or the entire lower leg may need to be amputated.
Outlook and prognosis
The outlook and prognosis for complete recovery from an existing gangrene is highly dependent on whether medical and drug treatment is provided. Gangrene is a tissue breakdown that should receive mandatory medical and drug treatment. Otherwise, the tissue will decompose over time, possibly leading to serious inflammation. If the affected person decides to undergo appropriate treatment, then a prompt and complete recovery can be ensured. By means of anti-inflammatory drugs, the death of the skin cells can be effectively counteracted. A clear and visible improvement should be seen within a few days. The course of the disease is different if the affected person completely forgoes such treatment. Gangrene can spread and worsen considerably within a very short time, making a visit to the doctor essential. In order to significantly improve the overall course of the disease, the should visit the doctor. Proper treatment can lead to a smooth healing process. At the first sign of complications, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible.
Prevention
Prevention of gangrene is especially important for high-risk patients. In addition, healthy people should also expect to develop gangrene.Risk factors such as smoking and being severely overweight should be eliminated. Therefore, the focus is on reducing excess weight, more physical exercise and a reduction in nicotine intake. Regular checks of blood lipid levels and the correct adjustment of blood sugar are significant, especially for diabetics. Diabetics should have their feet treated only by trained podiatrists. In addition, healthy, comfortable footwear that may even be appropriate for the foot can prevent gangrene from developing. Pressure points on the feet, redness and swelling of the skin should be well observed. If inflammation occurs, it is imperative to have it evaluated by a dermatologist to prevent gangrene.
Aftercare
Gangrene should always be treated by a physician. It usually cannot heal on its own in the process, and the options for aftercare are also severely limited in many cases. Thereby it can come to strong complications, if the gangrene is recognized or treated only late, so that here in the first place an early diagnosis with an early treatment stands in the foreground. If the gangrene is not treated, this can lead to the death of the affected person in the worst case. As a rule, they are dependent on taking medication. Care must be taken to ensure that the medication is taken regularly and correctly, and a doctor should always be consulted in cases of doubt or other ambiguities. A healthy diet together with a healthy lifestyle can also have a positive effect on the further course of this disease. In severe cases, however, those affected are dependent on the amputation of the affected limb, so they need the help and support of friends and family in their daily lives. In some cases, reaching out to other affected individuals is also very helpful.
Here’s what you can do yourself
In the case of existing gangrene, early visits to the doctor are very important and significant for the subsequent healing process. Nevertheless, affected individuals can take their own measures for improvement and relief. If the gangrene is still in its early stages, then certain foods can significantly aid the healing process. Vegetables and fruits promote healing immensely, as important nutrients are thus supplied to the body. However, white flour products, pork and sweets should be avoided completely. Lymphatic drainage, which can be applied by the patient, also supports the entire healing process. The blood circulation of the respective body region is thus significantly stimulated and promoted. If the gangrene is already in an advanced stage, then the supply of vitamin A, vitamin E and bromelain is very important. These nutrients help to build up healthy skin and also support the removal of damaged or dead skin. If you want to counteract existing wound healing, you can use arnica drops or calendula. Of course, in the case of gangrene, strict cleanliness and hygiene should also be observed. Without inflammation occurring, the tissue can heal in peace and the recovery time is significantly reduced.
