Gangrene : Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

What is gangrene? Gangrene is a term to define the decay of body tissues or organs or tissue death caused by lack of blood supply. And the process occurs as a complication of inflammation or infection, injury, or degenerative changes associated with chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus. There are 3 main types of gangrene, which is dry, wet or damp, and gas gangrene. Gangrene many called by the term Gangrehe, gangrenosum ulcers. Gas gangrene or also called myonecrosis

Gangrene Causes, generally by a bacterial infection, such as Clostridium welchii, Clostridium per frin ges, Clostridium septicum, Clostridium novyi, Clostridium histolyticum, Clostridium sporogenes, or other species that can survive with little oxygen. Once located in the network, these bacteria will produce gas and toxins.

In wet gangrene, the causative organism is different strains of bacteria, including Streptococcus sp and Staphylococcus sp. Forms are rare but serious infection, Streptococcus group A, can interfere with blood flow. If not treated, it can progress to skin infections and tissue directly under the skin.
Chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, or diseases that affect blood vessels (Buerger's disease, Raynaud's disease) can also lead to gangrene.

Symptoms of gangrene is damage to the skin on the feet, tip toes irregular, swollen, with fluid, dead tissue is black and fetid. If the toxin the bacteria spread to the bloodstream, then the patient will complain of fever, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, changes in mental status, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and broken blood vessels.

Treatments for gangrene, for people to do with therapies such as povidone iodine solution compresses 5-10%. If no improvement in a short time, see your doctor to get proper care and handling more perfect. If the causative organism has been detected, wet gangrene can be given broad-spectrum antibiotics. Infected tissue to be operated on, and amputation may be considered. Analgesic required to control discomfort. Intravenous fluids and blood transfusion is indicated in case of shock, adds red blood cells, and electrolytes. Hydration and good nutrition are also required for wound healing. Although still controversial, some cases gangrene still given hyperbaric oxygen.

Prevention of gangrene, severe diabetes mellitus patients should do hand and foot care are routinely and regularly, as directed by a physician. Education about foot care important. Skin infections should be addressed so that the bacteria are not spread.

Gangrene usually occur in people with diabetes mellitus, malnutrition (lack of nutrition, not perfect), and in patients with leprosy.

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