U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free
A 33-year-old member asked:

Why isn't there an immune response to gangrene if it causes bacterial infections in fingers?

2 doctor answers3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Mark Hoepfner
Surgery 41 years experience
Frostbite: Frostbite is dead tissue from freezing damage. Gangrene would be from the dead tissue, not bacteria. Dead tissue may become secondarily infected with bacteria. Immune response does not help dead tissue & our bodies do not replace or regrow dead structures.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Barry Cohen
36 years experience
Interesting q: Gangrenous areas typically have no blood supply, the conduit for an immune response.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Sep 13, 2013

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.