How to Treat Dry Gangrene
- 1). Assess the affected area visually. Tissues impacted by dry gangrene will be cold to the touch and darkly discoloured or dusky.
- 2). Seek the advice of a licensed health care professional. Report any severe trauma which may have influenced the circulation to the affected part of the body: burns, crushing, sprains, fractures or stubbing, straining or jamming of a digit. A health care professional will draw blood and run tests to determine if an infection is present. If a diagnosis of dry gangrene is confirmed, patients are generally started on an aggressive course of broad spectrum antibiotics and offered pain medication to be taken as needed.
- 3). Obtain a recommendation from a vascular surgeon and undergo surgical debridement and vascular reconstructive surgery, if applicable. This will remove the tissues which have been permanently damaged and help to restore blood flow to the affected area.
- 4). Allow the any damaged tissues located in the extremities to wither and die, eventually dropping off, or have them surgically removed if reconstructive surgery is not an option. Treat the surrounding tissues with topical ointment to promote healing at the site and prevent damage from extending further into the limb.
- 5). Take measures to improve circulation throughout the body. Stop smoking, eat less cholesterol and get more exercise. If you have diabetes or arteriosclerosis, pay particular attention to your feet and hands as the diminished blood flow which causes dry gangrene to develop is one of the more common conditions associated with these disorders.
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