GANGRENE

▪️ This refers to lack of blood flow to a certain body tissue hence leading to its death. However, not only inhibited blood flow causes gangrene, but also bacterial infections. It majorly affects the extremities such as toes, fingers, feet and hands. It can also occur in the muscles and body organs which are inside.

▪️ Gangrene greatly affects someone, especially the one constituting of no blood flow. This is because the blood carries nutrients and oxygen, and once it can't access a certain area, it means the cells and the tissue eventually die leaving the area dark and with infection. Some cases of gangrene lead to amputation … coz basically it's like you're alive but a part of your body is dead. 😬

▪️ Gangrene caused by bacteria are not any better due to the damage caused on the affected areas. These bacteria gather and produce toxins that cause cell death.

▪️ The Causes of Gangrene can be summarized as: Infection by bacteria; Lack of blood supply; Injury, Wounds, and Trauma scars that are left untreated.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF GANGRENE INCLUDE:

▪️ Dry Gangrene:- This type involves dry skin that looks brown to black due to restricted/ blocked blood flow caused by circulation problems. Its more common in people suffering from diabetes and atherosclerosis.

▪️ Wet Gangrene:- This type involves disrupted blood flow and a bacterial infection. Bacterial infection is what renders it to be 'wet' due go the environment that it creates. It causes swelling, blisters and pus production- which is usually accompanied by a foul smell. A wet gangrene majorly develops after injury or burns. It also manifests in diabetes patients whose injuries take a very long time to heal.

▪️ Gas Gangrene:- This types involves infection by a certain bacteria of Genus Clostridium. The most known bacteria for this infection is Clostridium perfringes. It attacks the deep tissues inside the human body and later manifests itself on the surface reaction of the skin. The bacteria gather in the injury/ wound area which has no blood supply. They later produce toxins that release gas and cause tissue death. This type spreads very fast and can lead to untimely death in the victims.

▪️Internal Gangrene:- This type directly affects the organs when blood flow to a certain organ is blocked.

▪️ Fournier's Gangrene:- This type causes infection in the genital areas, especially in men. It affects the scrotum and other perineal areas.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF GANGRENE INCLUDE:

A change in skin cooler to black, pale grey, purple or blue.

Severe pain and numbness in that area.

Place feels cold when touched.

Swelling and sores with smelly discharge.

Shiny skin without hair.

Fever and temperature variations.

Sepsis

Vulnerability To Gangrene

Next, we want to see who is at risk of getting gangrene.

📍 People with blood vessel disease such as atherosclerosis, blood clots etc.:- Atherosclerosis refers to build up of plaque in the arteries hence making it hard for blood to flow.

📍 Diabetic Patients:- Their wounds heal slowly and this increases risk for infection to thrive.

📍 Trauma/ Severe Injury:- This can happen after accidents, burns, gunshot wounds or surgery.

📍 Immunosuppressed Patients:- They go through chemotherapy and radiations hence have a very low immune system which can hardly fight infections. Old age can also be a factor to be considered when we look at immunosuppressed individuals.

📍 Smokers:- Smoking causes inflammation of blood vessels hence leading to clots that restrict blood flow.

📍 People living in very cold areas:- This is because they get frostbites which allow limited blood flow to the extremities.

📍 People with Obesity- People with extra weight struggle with blood circulation around the body.

▪️ It is important to note that gangrene can be so severe, (especially wet and gas), and can even lead to death of patients experiencing it. This is due to how fast the infection can spread around the body through the blood. However, its mild forms can be controlled once detected early.

That's why we'll finish by looking at the most possible treatment and management for people affected with gangrene:

📍 Tissue removal on affected part or amputation if the gangrene gets severe.

📍 Use of antibiotics for bacterial infections.

📍 Do exercise and maintain the required BMI.

📍 Manage diabetes.

📍 Avoid use of tobacco and smoking.

📍 Proper hygiene in managing wounds and injuries.

📍 Maintaining a healthy immune system.

📍 Normalize hot water foot bath and fomentation if living in cold areas.

📍 Surgery such as bypass and angioplasty to help blood flow better.

📍 Wearing shoes that fit well.

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