Gangrene
Gangrene happens when part of your body (usually a finger, toe, or limb) dies because it doesn't have enough blood flowing to it. Your blood carries oxygen and nutrients to different parts of your body, so when that blood can't get where it needs to go, bad things happen.
When gangrene sets in, the affected body part can turn black or dark brown and start to smell bad. This is because the dead tissue is breaking down and giving off a bad odor. It can also feel really painful or even completely numb, depending on how severe the gangrene is.
There are a few different things that can cause gangrene. One cause is a serious injury or infection that damages the blood vessels and restricts blood flow. Another cause is a condition called atherosclerosis, which is when the arteries (the blood vessels that carry blood away from your heart) become narrow and blocked with fatty deposits.
If gangrene is left untreated, it can be really dangerous and even life-threatening. That's why it's important to get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of gangrene. Sometimes doctors can help save the affected body part with surgery or other treatments, but other times the only option is to amputate (remove) the dead tissue.
In order to prevent gangrene, it's important to take care of your body and avoid things that can damage your blood vessels, like smoking or having uncontrolled diabetes. If you do get an injury or infection, it's important to keep it clean and get medical help if it doesn't start to heal on its own.
When gangrene sets in, the affected body part can turn black or dark brown and start to smell bad. This is because the dead tissue is breaking down and giving off a bad odor. It can also feel really painful or even completely numb, depending on how severe the gangrene is.
There are a few different things that can cause gangrene. One cause is a serious injury or infection that damages the blood vessels and restricts blood flow. Another cause is a condition called atherosclerosis, which is when the arteries (the blood vessels that carry blood away from your heart) become narrow and blocked with fatty deposits.
If gangrene is left untreated, it can be really dangerous and even life-threatening. That's why it's important to get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of gangrene. Sometimes doctors can help save the affected body part with surgery or other treatments, but other times the only option is to amputate (remove) the dead tissue.
In order to prevent gangrene, it's important to take care of your body and avoid things that can damage your blood vessels, like smoking or having uncontrolled diabetes. If you do get an injury or infection, it's important to keep it clean and get medical help if it doesn't start to heal on its own.