How to Treat Gangrene
- 1). Take antibiotics as directed by your doctor, if the gangrene is caused by a bacterial invasion. Antibiotics must be started early in the course of the treatment to be effective. In most cases, intravenous administration is the preferred route.
- 2). Take an anticoagulant as directed by your physician to reduce the likelihood of blood clots developing in the affected body part.
- 3). Eat a high-protein diet, if recommended by your doctor. Protein helps repair damaged tissue.
- 4). Drink plenty of water, at least eight glasses a day. Extra hydration helps tissue heal because so much of the body is made up of water.
- 5). Wear custom-built shoes to keep pressure off of toes or heels that might be showing signs of necrosis.
- 6). Avoid nonselective beta blockers (prescription medicine). These drugs can reduce blood flow to the extremities.
- 7). Debride the gangrenous tissue, as ordered by your doctor. Debriding removes dead tissue, allowing fresh, pink tissue to flourish.
- 8). Have the gangrenous tissue removed by a surgeon. If necrosis is irreversible, the body part may have to be amputated. Consider a surgical resection of the gangrenous area.
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