How Is Gangrene Transmitted?
Definition
Gangrene is the decay and death of bodily tissue because of a lack of blood flow. Blood flow may be cut off by a vascular disease, infection, or injury. It is most common in the extremities, like fingers and toes, but can happen anywhere in the body.
Dry Gangrene
Dry gangrene is the result of not enough blood flow from the arteries to a particular area, and is common in people with arterial blockages, such as those associated with high cholesterol, diabetes and tobacco use. Dry gangrene causes the skin to become progressively darker, eventually turning black, and shrivel and fall away from the body. It is not transmitted by infection.
Wet gangrene
Wet gangrene is caused by an infected wound, like a frostbite or burn injury. It is also common in diabetics who may injure a foot without realizing it and consequently not treat it to prevent infection. White blood cells cannot reach the injured area to combat the infection because blood flow is inadequate. Thus, this form spreads quickly and can be fatal. Wet gangrene has, as the name suggests, a wet appearance and causes blistering and swelling of the affected tissue.
Gas Gangrene
Gas gangrene is also caused by an infection, usually by the bacteria Clostridia. However, it generally affects deep tissue, so the outer skin may at first appear normal. The bacteria release toxins that release gas and kills muscle tissue. The skin will turn pale, then grey or purple, and develop a bubbling appearance as the condition worsens. It can be fatal.
Internal Gangrene
Internal gangrene refers to gangrene affecting the organs, typically the intestines, appendix, or gallbladder. Blood flow may be decreased or cut off by a hernia, for example, allowing gangrene to set in. There is no outward sign of this form of gangrene but it often causes fever and pain. Internal gangrene can also be fatal. Even if the gangrene was not initially caused by an infection, an infection will likely develop and be transmitted throughout the body.
Fournier's Gangrene
Fournier's gangrene is a rare form of the condition that affects the genitals. Men and women can develop Fournier's gangrene but men are more likely to. It is the result of a genital or urinary tract infection that goes untreated. If the infection is bacterial it can cause the tissue to slowly decay because, as with all cases of gangrene, white blood cells are not able to reach the affected area. The genitals become painfully tender, red and swollen.
Prevention
Reduce your risk factors for gangrene by living a healthy lifestyle. Do not smoke. If you have diabetes, keep it well controlled and be vigilant about foot and skin care. Keep wounds clean and watch for signs of infection, like redness, swelling and pain, that may lead to gangrene. Seek medical attention if you do find signs of infection. If frostbite is a concern, keep your extremities warm and call a doctor if skin becomes pale, hard and numb after exposure to cold temperatures. Gangrene will develop if the frostbite is not treated and tissue on the body no longer has functioning blood vessels.
Tags: blood flow, blood cells, caused infection, gangrene also, Gangrene gangrene, Gangrene Transmitted, Internal gangrene