Treatment/Necrosectomy

Similar to pain, the duration of healing and prognosis of necrosis depends very much on the situation and the patient. In the case of very superficial necrosis, independent healing is possible within a few weeks after removal of the corresponding cause. However, if the necrosis is advanced, a doctor must be consulted.

The prognosis then depends mainly on the patient’s state of health. A decubitus can often heal completely again by adequate protection and consistent relief. However, this can take several weeks or even months, as the wounds often reach very deep and heal poorly.

In the case of necrosis caused by circulatory disorders, for example in smokers and diabetics, healing depends above all on whether these patients can eliminate the conditions under which the necrosis developed. The prognosis and the risk of recurrence are strongly linked to the risk factor. For example, it is crucial for smokers to stop smoking and for diabetics to control their blood sugar regularly and to counteract the disease as well as possible.

Necrosis on foot/toe

Feet and especially toes are very often areas of the body affected by necrosis. The reason for this is that they are very remote from the center of the body and therefore very susceptible to circulatory problems. Foot and toe necrosis is particularly common in connection with the so-called “smoker’s leg” and “diabetic foot“.

In both cases there is a reduced blood circulation in the feet and thus an oxygen deficiency. The toes are affected first. If the necrosis progresses further, it spreads over the foot to the lower leg.

With poorly controlled diabetes, separate necroses often occur on the lower leg. Another common cause of necrotic toes is hypothermia or frostbite. The therapy of necroses of the foot and toes is done by restoring sufficient blood circulation. If this is not possible or if the necrosis is already too advanced, the corresponding body part may have to be amputated.