Gas gangrene

Gas gangrene is a potentially deadly bacterial infection of deep soft tissue and muscle in which tissue dies and gas forms at the site (clostridial myonecrosis). Most cases follow trauma or a recent surgical wound, though some occur without injury; blood vessel disease, diabetes, colon cancer and weakened immunity raise risk. Clostridium perfringens is the commonest cause, and other Clostridium species or occasionally other bacteria can be responsible; their toxins damage tissue, cells and blood vessels. The infection starts suddenly and spreads fast, producing severe pain, swelling, pale or dusky skin, blisters, foul discharge, fever and crackling gas under the skin, and it can progress to shock and sepsis. Diagnosis combines examination, wound and blood cultures, Gram stain and imaging that shows gas in the tissues. Emergency treatment is urgent surgical debridement, broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics, intensive care and sometimes hyperbaric oxygen.

Seek urgent care for a high fever with a stiff neck, rash, confusion, difficulty breathing, or fever after travel to a malaria area. See a doctor when a fever lasts more than three days, when symptoms return after treatment, or when you may have been exposed to an infection that needs testing. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.