Gangrene is the death of infected tissues. This tissue damage may be  caused by the Clostridium bacterium , most commonly Clostridium perfringens. When this is the case, the disease is called gas gangrene. This is a rare but life threatening infection which occurs when these bacteria multiply and produce toxins , causing tissue injury. It is  usually associated with a recent surgical wound or trauma.

What are the signs of gas gangrene ?

Signs include the following :

• pain at the site of injury
• fluid build up, tenderness and worsening of the pain
• increased heart rate
• rapid breathing
• sweating
• paleness
• fever

If left untreated, the condition can get worse and result in lowering of blood pressure to dangerous levels, kidney failure , an impairment of  mental status and shock.

The incubation period from the time of infection to the time symptoms show can be as short as 6 hours and as long as 3 weeks. In most cases, the period is 2 to 4 weeks.

How is  gas gangrene treated ?

This condition must be treated immediately with the following :

• removing the dead and infected tissue surgically
• intravenous administration of penicillin
• managing shock and other complications
• possibly treating  the patient with high pressure oxygen chamber although the effectiveness of this approach has not been proven.

How can you prevent gas gangrene ?

If your child has a skin injury, wash the area with soap and water and keep it clean. If the wound becomes seriously contaminated, go to the emergency room. They will likely flush it out with water and start antibiotics such as penicillin or clindamycin.