Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
If a person has dry gangrene in on one toe, is it ok to let it amputate itself?
4 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
sometimes: Sometimes self-limiting amputations work very well.
Answered 7/13/2012
5.7k views
Not really: Due to the infection there really needs to be proper wound care and antibiotic therapy to make sure the infection does not spread.
Answered 7/13/2012
5.7k views
Varying opinions: You will hear different opinions on this. If it were my toe, i would have it surgically amputated. That tissue is dead, so a secondary/emerging infection is possible and this can spread rapidly. I personally think the risk of that versus the risk of having surgery is greater.
Answered 1/12/2016
5.7k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
I have lots of dry gangrene on right foot, lost 4 toes , but it doesn't go past the mid-foot. Why would they amputate to knee? Why not just that part?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
A friends dad has gangrene in his toes. He's 78 & borderline diabetic. Dr said he'd amputate but that was months ago. Im wondering how fast it spreads?
6 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
A member asked:
Will gangreen come back after amputation? Also what type of gangreen has massive blister on bottom top and side of foot?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
When does someone get an amputation done? Only if gangrene?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
What happens if a type 2 diabetic with gangrene refuses amputation?
9 doctors weighed in across 4 answers
People also searched for:
I developed severe dry gangrene on right foot after trauma, 4 toes already amputated, but it is spreading very slow. How long can I delay amputation?
My dad is 91 with Parkinson's & recently had a stroke and has a gangrenous toe. Which is less painful, dying from gangrene or having an amputation?
My mother has lost her right big toe to gangrene due to diabetic foot. It has spread to remaining 4 toes all gone black. Can we avoid amputation?
If you have a foot amputation to get rid of gangrene, will you later need a leg amputation?
Mother, 66, had gangrene/ partial foot amputation, is not diabetic, had 3 stents in her legs due to poor circulation & heavy smoker. Life expectancy?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
