The major cause of gangrene is poor or total loss of blood supply to a particular area. If blood ceases to flow to the affected area, it is deprived of nutrients and oxygen thus causing tissue death.
Dry forms of gangrene may result from:
Vascular problems cause poor blood supply to the extremities. In most cases this is caused by poor health of the veins and arteries in the toes and the legs. Vascular problems do not develop all at once, but occur gradually and are attributed to conditions such as high blood pressure, peripheral arterial disease, and diabetes.
Severe burns, cold and scalding may be caused by extreme cold, heat, and chemical agents.
Raynaud's disease impairs blood circulation to toes and fingers and occurs mostly in cold weather.
Diabetes extreme blood sugar levels cause damage to the nerves and blood vessels, resulting in educed oxygen supply to the extremities.
Wet forms of gangrene result from:
Deep, penetrating injuries
Immune deficiency
Embolism
Gas gangrene is the most severe form of gangrene, and can cause severe complications when not treated. It is often the result of severe untreated infection.