How to Get Gangrene

Contributor

By A. P. Anderson
eHow Contributing Writer

Gangrene is easy to get, and, if treated promptly, easy to cure. Simply put, gangrene is the death of an area of tissue in the body. It's caused when the blood supply to that area is stopped for some reason. Unfortunately, gangrene spreads swiftly, so even waiting an extra day may be dangerous. In extreme cases, the gangrene patient must undergo amputation of a limb in order to stop the gangrene from spreading farther. Let's take a look at the various ways you can get gangrene.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Experiencing a serious accident in which an arm or leg is badly mangled. If your wounds become infected, gangrene can develop.
Step 2

Developing a blockage in internal organs. For example, you can get gangrene from clogged arteries.
Step 3

Suffering from diabetes. Diabetes patients should exercise their fingers and toes regularly and cut their toenails properly to avoid developing gangrene.
Step 4

Getting frostbite or suffering from severe burns. Both of these conditions can kill patches of skin and lead to gangrene.

Tips & Warnings

Old age increases the risk of gangrene, so be especially watchful with elderly patients. Patients being treated for gangrene need to take prescribed painkillers regularly and get lots of bed rest.
Never wait to treat gangrene. If you're not sure, see a doctor immediately. Don't try to treat gangrene yourself.