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Summary
Gangrene is the death of tissues in your body. It happens when a part of your body loses its blood supply. Gangrene can happen on the surface of the body, such as on the skin, or inside the body, in muscles or organs. Causes include:
- Serious injuries
- Problems with blood circulation, such as atherosclerosis and peripheral arterial disease
- Diabetes
Skin symptoms may include a blue or black color, pain, numbness, and sores that produce a foul-smelling discharge. If the gangrene is internal, you may run a fever and feel unwell, and the area may be swollen and painful.
Gangrene is a serious condition. It needs immediate attention. Treatment includes surgery, antibiotics, and oxygen therapy. In severe cases an amputation may be necessary.
Learn More
- About Necrotizing Fasciitis (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Also in Spanish
-
Antibiotics: MedlinePlus Health Topic
(National Library of Medicine)
Also in Spanish
-
Diabetes and Foot Problems
(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
Also in Spanish
- Gangrene (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
- Gas Gangrene (American Academy of Pediatrics) Also in Spanish
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
- Necrosis (Medical Encyclopedia)
- Necrotizing Skin Infections (Merck & Co., Inc.) Also in Spanish
- Necrotizing soft tissue infection (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Septic shock (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
Clinical Trials
-
ClinicalTrials.gov: Gangrene
(National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
Patient Handouts
- Gangrene (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Gas gangrene (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.