Gangrene of the legs is a condition that occurs when tissue dies. It is caused by the interruption of the blood supply due to an underlying disease, injury, and/or infection. The toes and limbs are more commonly affected. There are different types of gangrene, and they all require immediate medical attention.
Gangrene of the legs: causes
Blood plays a very important role in human he alth. It not only transports oxygen and nutrients throughout the body to nourish cells, but also provides antibodies to fight disease and infection. When blood cannot circulate freely, cells begin to die, infection and gangrene can develop. Any condition that affects blood flow increases the risk of gangrene. These states include:
- Diabetes.
- Atherosclerosis.
- Peripheral artery disease.
- Smoking.
- Injury or injury.
- Raynaud's phenomenon (a condition in which the blood vessels that supply the skin periodically constrict).
Gangrene of the legs: types
There are two main types of gangrene:
1. Dry gangrenelegs. It is more common in people with diabetes and autoimmune diseases. It usually affects the hands and feet. It develops when blood flow to the affected area is interrupted, usually as a result of poor circulation. Unlike other types, infection is usually not present in dry gangrene. However, it can lead to wet gangrene.
2. Wet gangrene. Almost always involves infection. Burn injuries or injuries with comminuted or compressed wounds can quickly cut off the blood supply to the affected area, causing tissue death and increasing the risk of infection. It is called "wet" because of purulent processes. The infection from it can quickly spread throughout the body, making wet gangrene a very serious and potentially life-threatening condition if not treated quickly.
Gangrene of the legs: symptoms
You may notice the following symptoms at the site of dry gangrene:
- Dry and wrinkled skin that changes color from blue to black.
- Cold and numb skin.
- Pain may or may not be present.
Symptoms of wet gangrene may include:
- Swelling and pain at the infection site.
- Changes in skin color from red to brown to black.
- Blisters or sores that have a foul-smelling discharge (pus).
- Fever and feeling unwell.
Gangrene of the legs: a warning
If the infection from gangrene enters the bloodstream, you can develop sepsis and septic shock. It can be life threatening if not treated immediately. Symptoms of sepsis may include:
- Low blood pressure.
- High heart rate.
- Short of breath.
- Change in body temperature.
- Delirium.
- Pain throughout the body and rash.
- Cold, clammy and pale skin.
If you suspect sepsis, go to hospital immediately.
Treatment of gangrene of the legs
Includes removal of dead tissue, treatment and prevention of the spread of infection, treatment of the condition that caused gangrene. The sooner it is started, the greater the chances of recovery. Depending on the type of disease, treatment may include:
1. Surgical intervention: debridement, removal of dead tissue to prevent the spread of infection. Amputation may be required in some situations.
2. Maggot Sanitation: Believe it or not, maggots still play an important role in modern medicine. They help to non-surgically remove dead tissue. When used to treat gangrene, fly larvae (specially bred in the laboratory so they are sterile) are placed on the wound where they engulf dead and infected tissue without harming he althy tissue. They also help fight infection and speed up healing by releasing substances that kill bacteria.
3. Antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to treat and prevent infections. They are usually used as intravenousinjection.
4. oxygen therapy. May be used in some cases of wet gangrene associated with diabetes or peripheral arterial disease. During treatment, the patient is placed in a special chamber filled with oxygen at a higher pressure. The theory is that this high level of oxygen saturates the blood and stimulates the healing of dying tissues.
Gangrene, a photo of which can be found in any medical reference book, is a serious disease that requires immediate medical attention. The sooner treatment is started, the greater the chance of recovery. If you have unexplained pain in any area of your body, a fever, a wound that is slowly healing, or you notice a change in skin color, go to the emergency room immediately.
