Gangrene has both a Latin and Greek origin which means "putrefaction" of tissues" and has no connection to the color green which is commonly thought.
Gangrene is a very serious condition that can be potentially life threatening. Gangrene usually arises from chronic conditions such as Diabetes and poor circulation or many years of smoking.
Types:
Wet: Occurs in moist areas such as the mouth, bowel, lungs, cervix, and vulva.
Dry: Usually arises due to a blockage of the arteries of the lower extremity. The appearance is purple or black with a sunken/ dried look
Gas: Caused by a bacteria called Clostridium Perfringens and it is a medical emergency because it can spread very quickly through the tissues of the body leading to Septecemia and toxemia.
Necrotizing Fascitiis: Gangrene of the deep layers of the tissue
Treatment options vary but usually entail surgical cleaning of the wound (debridement) , wound care, hyperbaric therapy, maggot therapy and antibiotic therapy, although amputation is necessary in most cases.
No comments:
Post a Comment