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Gangrene
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Blood Heart Circulation

Gangrene

Gangrene is a serious condition involving the death of body tissues caused by a loss of blood supply, requiring immediate medical attention.

Overview

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 & Risk Factors

Causes include:

  • Serious injuries
  • Problems with blood circulation, such as atherosclerosis and peripheral arterial disease
  • Diabetes

Symptoms

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.

Treatment & Management

Gangrene is a serious condition. It needs immediate attention. Treatment includes surgery, antibiotics, and oxygen therapy. In severe cases an amputation may be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. A foul odor and darkening skin suggest bacterial infection and possible gangrene; seek emergency care immediately to prevent spread and the need for more extensive surgery.
Look for sudden discoloration (blue, purple, or black), a foul‑smelling ulcer, increasing pain or numbness, and any area that feels colder than surrounding tissue; these are warning signs that blood flow may be compromised and gangrene could be developing.
Engage in pre‑operative smoking cessation, optimize blood glucose and nutrition, work with a physical therapist for early mobility, and follow a strict wound‑care regimen; these measures lower infection risk and support faster prosthetic fitting.
Hyperbaric oxygen increases oxygen delivery to hypoxic tissue, which can halt progression of dry gangrene and promote healing, especially when surgery is not immediately feasible. Coverage varies; many insurers reimburse when it’s prescribed by a vascular surgeon or wound‑care specialist and documented as medically necessary.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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