Gangrene is not just a skin problem — it’s a serious condition where body tissue dies due to lack of blood flow or severe infection. Catching it early can save your limb, and in some cases, your life.
In this blog, Dr. Sravan C P S, one of Bangalore’s leading vascular and endovascular surgeons, explains the warning signs of gangrene, what causes it, and how it can be treated before it spreads.
What Is Gangrene?
Gangrene happens when parts of the body (usually fingers, toes, or limbs) lose blood supply due to an injury, infection, or disease like diabetes. Without blood, the tissue begins to die.
There are three main types:
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Dry gangrene – caused by poor circulation.
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Wet gangrene – caused by a bacterial infection.
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Gas gangrene – a fast-spreading, life-threatening infection.
🚨 Early Signs of Gangrene You Should Never Ignore
Spotting gangrene early is critical. The sooner you seek help, the better your chances of recovery. Watch out for these warning signs:
1. Skin Color Changes
The skin may appear:
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Pale or bluish initially
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Then turn brown, purple, or black
These color changes signal loss of blood flow.
2. Unusual Numbness or Tingling
Loss of sensation or “pins and needles” in your toes or fingers can be the first sign that something is wrong with circulation.
3. Persistent Pain or Swelling
Especially in diabetics or those with peripheral artery disease (PAD), unhealed wounds that are painful and swollen may indicate infection and tissue damage.
4. Foul-Smelling Discharge
Wet gangrene produces a strong, unpleasant odor as tissue breaks down. This often comes with pus or fluid oozing from the wound.
5. Coldness in the Affected Area
The skin may feel cooler than the rest of your body, showing a lack of blood flow.
Who Is at Risk for Gangrene?
You are more likely to develop gangrene if you have:
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Diabetes (due to nerve and blood vessel damage)
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Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
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Severe injuries or burns
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Weakened immune system
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Smoking history
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Chronic infections or ulcers
👉 If you belong to any of these groups, regular foot and limb checks are essential.
How Is Gangrene Diagnosed?
Dr. Sravan uses advanced diagnostic methods at his Basavanagudi clinic, including:
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Doppler ultrasound – to check blood flow in arteries
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Blood tests – to detect infection
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MRI/CT scans – to identify tissue damage
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Tissue cultures – to find the type of bacteria (if infected)
Gangrene Treatment Options in Bangalore
Treatment depends on how early the gangrene is caught and the type. Dr. Sravan specializes in the following:
✅ Debridement
Removing dead tissue to stop the spread of infection.
✅ Vascular Surgery
Restoring blood flow using procedures like:
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Angioplasty
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Bypass surgery
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Stenting
✅ Antibiotic Therapy
For wet or gas gangrene caused by infection.
✅ Amputation
In severe cases where tissue damage is irreversible, amputation may be needed to save the patient’s life.
✅ Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Used in some cases to promote healing and stop infection by increasing oxygen supply to affected areas.
Can Gangrene Be Prevented?
Yes — especially if you are diabetic or have circulation issues. Here’s how to stay safe:
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👣 Inspect your feet and limbs daily
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🧦 Avoid tight footwear or socks
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💉 Control blood sugar and cholesterol levels
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🚭 Quit smoking — it narrows your blood vessels
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🩺 Visit a vascular specialist like Dr. Sravan regularly
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🧼 Keep cuts and wounds clean and dry
When Should You See a Vascular Specialist?
Seek immediate help if you notice:
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A wound that isn’t healing
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Any of the skin changes mentioned above
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Numbness or coldness in limbs
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A strange smell from a cut or ulcer
Early treatment can save your limb and prevent life-threatening complications.
📍 Dr. Sravan C P S offers expert vascular care in Basavanagudi, Bangalore. Book an appointment if you have diabetes, PAD, or non-healing wounds.
FAQs About Gangrene
Q1. Is gangrene always caused by diabetes?
A: No. While diabetes is a major risk factor, gangrene can also result from injuries, infections, or poor circulation due to other vascular conditions.
Q2. Can gangrene spread to other parts of the body?
A: Yes. Wet and gas gangrene can rapidly spread through tissues and even become fatal if not treated immediately.
Q3. How quickly does gangrene progress?
A: Gas gangrene can spread within hours. Others may take days. Either way, early medical care is crucial.
Q4. Is gangrene painful?
A: It can be. Some people experience severe pain, while others feel numbness due to nerve damage. Either way, both are red flags.
Q5. Can gangrene heal without surgery?
A: Rarely. Most cases require removal of dead tissue and restoring blood flow. Mild dry gangrene may improve if blood supply is restored early.
Take Action Early. Protect Your Limbs.
If you suspect early signs of gangrene or have any vascular condition, don’t wait.
Visit Dr. Sravan C P S, Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon in Basavanagudi, Bangalore.
📞 Call Now (9353384953) or 📅 Book an Appointment Online
🏥 Expert care. Advanced treatment. Life-saving results.