What it means
Tissue that has died (necrosisneh-KROH-sisThe death of cells or tissue in a part of the body.necr/o death-osis conditionFull entry ), most often in the toes, feet, fingers or a limb. Dry gangrene comes from slowly lost blood flow, as in peripheral artery disease or diabetes; the skin turns dry, shriveled and dark. Wet gangrene is dead tissue that has become infected; it swells, oozes and smells foul, and can spread fast. Gas gangrene is a deep muscle infection by Clostridium bacteria. Treatment includes removing dead tissue and sometimes amputation.
For the nurse
Check the feet of clients with diabetes or poor circulation daily, and report dark, cold or numb toes, or a wound that is black or foul-smelling. Teach daily foot checks at home.
At a glance
| Spanish | gangrena |
|---|---|
| Also written | gangrenous |
Related terms
perfusion
The flow of blood through the body's tissues, bringing them oxygen and nutrients.
ischemia
Too little blood flow to a part of the body, so the tissue does not get enough oxygen.
necrosis
The death of cells or tissue in a part of the body.
debridement
The removal of dead, damaged or infected tissue from a wound so it can heal.