Gangrene is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the death of body tissue due to a lack of blood supply or infection. It can affect any part of the body but most commonly occurs in the extremities, such as the fingers, toes, hands, and feet. Gangrene can be caused by various factors, including bacterial infections, severe injuries, or underlying health conditions that impair blood flow.

Types of Gangrene

1. Dry Gangrene: Typically results from a gradual reduction in blood flow, often due to chronic conditions like atherosclerosis or diabetes. The affected tissue becomes dry, shriveled, and blackened.
2. Wet Gangrene: Occurs when bacterial infections cause rapid tissue death, leading to swelling, blisters, and a foul-smelling discharge. This type is often associated with traumatic injuries or infections.
3. Gas Gangrene: Caused by anaerobic bacteria (usually Clostridium species) that produce gas within tissues, leading to rapid tissue destruction, swelling, and a distinctive crackling sound under the skin.
4. Necrotizing Fasciitis: A severe form of gangrene involving the rapid spread of infection along the fascial planes of the body, leading to widespread tissue death.