Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
How Can A Gangrene On The Small Toe Be Treated?
My brother has been diagnosed with gangreneon his baby toe. He was told he has peripheral artery disease. He will be seeing a vascular surgeon next week for testing. No one gave him any information as to how to care for his toe. Should he wrap it, or leave it uncovered? Should his foot be elevated ? Would soaking his foot in warm water help circulation?
Tue, 3 Apr 2018
Hello,
The gangrenous 5th toe should be dressed with 5% Betadine solution, daily. He should offload the foot (nonweight bearing) so that the dry gangrene does not become wet gangrene and spread. If he is a diabetic, tight blood sugar control must be done. He must consult a vascular surgeon, who can get a peripheral angiogram of the involved lower limb, see for any arterial blocks and revascularized by angioplasty or peripheral bypass surgery. Once the circulation has been improved, the gangrenous toe must be removed. If wet gangrene has set in, it is possible that the toe should be immediately removed prior to the revascularization. Tissue culture-specific antibiotics and supportive management are required until full recovery.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ajit Kumar Varma
The gangrenous 5th toe should be dressed with 5% Betadine solution, daily. He should offload the foot (nonweight bearing) so that the dry gangrene does not become wet gangrene and spread. If he is a diabetic, tight blood sugar control must be done. He must consult a vascular surgeon, who can get a peripheral angiogram of the involved lower limb, see for any arterial blocks and revascularized by angioplasty or peripheral bypass surgery. Once the circulation has been improved, the gangrenous toe must be removed. If wet gangrene has set in, it is possible that the toe should be immediately removed prior to the revascularization. Tissue culture-specific antibiotics and supportive management are required until full recovery.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ajit Kumar Varma
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....