Gangrene is a form of decay develops because the body is unable to deliver blood to some tissues situated in a specific part of the body. Some of the most common causes of gangrene are infections, trauma, diseases which affect the arteries, etc.

To gain effective and timely treatment, you should be aware of the early signs of gangrene. This because as the stages of gangrene advance, they can even cause amputation or death. The following are some early signs of gangrene

• A wound or an infection that doesn’t get better
• Fever that isn’t subsiding
• Increased heart rate
• Discoloration of the affected part which eventually turns darker and drier
• Blisters which may contain discharge or are bleeding
• Vomiting
• Peeling of the skin with a visible line forming between the healthy and infected skin
• Infected area appearing to be shiny
• Coldness and loss of sensation in the affected area

Based on the causes, the early signs of gangrene can occur in diverse combinations for every patient.

The doctor will diagnose gangrene with the help of medical history and signs. Some of the methods that your GP may use are blood tests, x-rays, MRI scans, lab tests of the infected tissue, etc.

Treatment of gangrene in its early stages
If your condition is identified in its initial stage with the help of early signs of gangrene, then the following treatment methods will be used.

• Antibiotics If the doctor diagnoses a bacterial attack, then you will be prescribed antibiotics to fight them off.

To prevent gangrene from reoccurring, you will have to adopt healthy nutritional regime, hygiene practices as well lifestyle changes.