What Exactly is Gang Green?
The term “gangrene” is derived from Greek and Latin words, neither of which have anything to do with the word “green”. It is purely coincidence that the tissues affected by this condition may have a greenish color. Whether you know of someone who has it or you’ve watched any number of different war movies, you’ve probably heard of gangrene. The question is: what exactly is it, and what will happen to those who have it?
Gangrene, by definition, is a condition involving cell death and is characterized by the decay of body tissues. The affected tissues may become black, green, or even yellowish brown, and often have a foul odor. It is most common in the lower extremities, particularly the feet and toes. Gangrene can be caused by an infection of some sort, but more often than not, it is the end result of critically reduced blood supply to the affected tissues. Some major risk factors for developing gangrene are disease states like diabetes or circulatory problems, and long-term smoking.
There are three types of gangrene: dry, wet and gas.
Dry gangrene often starts in areas like the toes and feet. It develops in cases where blood supply is interrupted by some reason other than infection. This particular type of gangrene spreads slowly until the blood supply is so poor that the tissues are no longer able to survive. The affected area is dry and dark black, and some say it resembles mummified flesh. People with impaired blood flow, such as diabetics and the elderly, are at a greater risk of developing dry gangrene. Early signs include a dull ache, the affected area feeling cold, and the skin appearing pale white. If caught early, it can be reversed by surgery; however, if tissue death occurs, the affected tissue must be removed.
Wet gangrene occurs more often in naturally moist tissues and organs but can occur in the foot. Here, the tissue is infected, which causes the tissue to swell and give off a foul smell. While dry gangrene spreads slowly, this tends to develop rapidly. In the affected area, blood pools and remains still, which promotes the rapid growth of bacteria. These bacteria produce toxic products which are absorbed into the blood and can spread to the whole body, potentially resulting in death. Like in dry gangrene, the affected area is swollen, soft, rotten and dark.
Gas gangrene is very serious and deadly. Like wet gangrene, it is caused by an infection, only in this case, the infection produces gas within tissues and spreads rapidly into the nearby healthy tissues. For this reason, gas gangrene is considered a medical emergency.
Treatment of gangrene revolves around restoring adequate blood flow to the affected area, to allow proper healing. Other treatment options include removal of the dead tissue or amputation of the affected limb.
If you or someone you know has signs or symptoms of gangrene of the foot, you should seek medical treatment right away! Your local podiatrist will know the appropriate course of action to make sure everything that can be done to save your foot will be done.
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