Medicines for Gangrene

What it is

Gangrene is a serious condition in which body tissue dies. It happens when the blood supply to an area of the body is cut off, or as a result of a serious infection, so that the tissue does not get the oxygen and nutrients it needs and begins to die. It most commonly affects the extremities — such as the toes, feet, fingers, and hands — but can affect other parts of the body, including internally. Gangrene is a medical emergency that needs urgent treatment, because it can spread and become life-threatening. It is more likely in people with conditions that affect the blood supply or increase the risk of infection — such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease (narrowed arteries), serious injuries or burns, and a weakened immune system. There are different types (including "dry" gangrene, usually from a gradual loss of blood supply, and "wet" gangrene, which involves infection and can spread rapidly, as well as a particularly serious form called gas gangrene). The signs of gangrene can include: skin that changes colour (becoming pale, then red or purple, and eventually dark, blue, or black); coldness and numbness in the affected area, or pain (which may be severe, or the area may lose feeling); swelling; a sore, blister, or wound that is not healing; an unpleasant-smelling discharge; and, if infection is spreading, signs of becoming seriously unwell (such as a fever, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or feeling very unwell — signs of sepsis). Because gangrene is serious and can spread quickly, it needs urgent medical assessment and treatment, which may include treating the infection, restoring blood supply where possible, removing dead tissue (and sometimes amputation), and supportive care. Preventing and promptly treating the conditions that lead to it — and looking after the feet in people with diabetes or poor circulation — are important.

How it is treated

Gangrene is a medical emergency and is treated urgently in hospital, because prompt treatment is needed to stop it spreading and to save as much tissue as possible. If gangrene is suspected — for example an area of skin that has changed colour (dark, blue, or black), is cold, numb, or painful, or a non-healing wound with an unpleasant discharge, particularly with feeling unwell — urgent medical assessment is essential. Treatment depends on the type, cause, and extent, and usually involves several elements: treating any infection (with antibiotics, given into a vein for serious infection); removing the dead tissue (a procedure called debridement) to stop the gangrene spreading and help healing, and, where the tissue cannot be saved, amputation of the affected part may be necessary to remove the dead tissue and prevent the condition spreading and becoming life-threatening; restoring the blood supply where possible (for example, surgery or procedures to improve blood flow to the area); and supportive care, including managing any sepsis and supporting the body. In some cases, other treatments are used. The specific approach is decided by the specialist team according to the situation, and prompt treatment improves the outcome. Because gangrene is serious and can spread quickly, and because it is more likely in people with diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system, prevention and early action are important: looking after the feet (especially in people with diabetes or poor circulation), caring for wounds properly and watching for signs of infection or poor healing, managing underlying conditions, and seeking prompt medical help for a wound that is not healing, an area of skin changing colour, or signs of a spreading infection all help. The key message is that gangrene is a medical emergency — any suspected gangrene, or a non-healing wound with colour change or feeling unwell, needs urgent assessment.