Gangrene facts for kids

Gangrene is a serious health problem. It happens when body tissue dies and starts to decay. This usually affects parts like fingers, toes, hands, and feet.

There are different kinds of gangrene. The main types are dry gangrene and wet gangrene. A less common type is gas gangrene. There is also a very rare type called internal gangrene, which affects organs inside the body.

Dry gangrene often happens when a part of the body does not get enough blood. This can be due to an injury that harms blood vessels. Wet gangrene usually starts when a wound gets infected by different kinds of bacteria. Gas gangrene is caused by special bacteria called Clostridium. It mostly affects muscles. Internal gangrene affects organs like the intestines, gallbladder, or appendix.

What Causes Gangrene?

Gangrene happens when blood flow to a body part stops or becomes very low. Without fresh blood, cells cannot get the oxygen and nutrients they need. This causes the tissue to die.

Infections can also cause gangrene. When bacteria get into a wound, they can spread quickly. Some bacteria release toxins that damage tissue and blood vessels. This can lead to wet gangrene.

Types of Gangrene

There are a few main types of gangrene. Each type affects the body in a slightly different way.

Dry Gangrene

Dry gangrene happens when a body part does not get enough blood. This often affects fingers and toes. The tissue slowly dries up and turns dark, like black or brown. It looks shrunken and withered. This type usually does not involve infection.

Wet Gangrene

Wet gangrene is more serious. It happens when tissue dies and also gets infected by bacteria. The affected area often looks swollen and blistered. It can have a bad smell. This type of gangrene can spread quickly.

Gas Gangrene

Gas gangrene is a rare but very dangerous type. It is caused by specific bacteria called Clostridium. These bacteria produce gas bubbles inside the tissue. You might hear a crackling sound if you touch the affected area. This type spreads very fast and needs quick medical help.

Internal Gangrene

Internal gangrene affects organs inside the body. This can include the intestines, gallbladder, or appendix. It happens when blood flow to these organs is blocked. This type is very serious because it can be hard to spot early.

Who Can Get Gangrene?

Some things can increase a person's chance of getting gangrene. These are called risk factors.

One major risk factor is having a condition like diabetes. Diabetes can damage blood vessels over time. This makes it harder for blood to reach all parts of the body, especially the feet. Other conditions that block arteries can also increase the risk.

Images for kids

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  Wet gangrene of the foot.

See also

In Spanish: Gangrena para niños