Darkening and drying skin, sometimes accompanied by a foul odor, is the most characteristic symptom of skin necrosis. Pressure sore, burn or infection can lead to necrosis.
A necrosis is the death of a cell or an organic tissue. In most vital organs, so-called necrotic tissue is no longer functional and is not replaced. In contrast, necrotic bone tissue or skin (skin necrosis) can regenerate. What are signs of necrosis ? What causes necrosis? How to treat it?
What is the definition of necrosis?
necrosis defines the premature and unplanned cessation of the functioning of one or more cells of a tissue of the human body. Necrotic tissues can no longer perform their normal function in the body, they are dead. There are different types of necroses. Among them, two are particularly frequent: ischemic necrosis (or coagulation necrosis) and the liquefaction necrosis. The necrosis can be cutaneous (on the skin), osseous (on the bone), dental (tooth mortified following the early destruction of the dental pulp)…
What are the symptoms of necrosis?
During necrosis of the skin, purplish spots form at the level of the lesion. Gradually, the skin may darken and forms a yellowish-colored liquid that can give off a foul odor (especially when necrosis due to infection).
Photo to recognize necrosis
What is the difference between necrosis and apoptosis?
Necrosis and apoptosis are two different concepts. These two phenomena lead to cell death, but in the case of apoptosis, this is genetically programmed and therefore normal. Necrosis is pathological and causes more or less severe degradation of the organism.
What causes necrosis?
► Causes of skin necrosis:
- a tumor,
- an infection,
- ischemia (blood no longer reaches an organ),
- severe trauma,
- a toxin (venom),
- a poisonous substance (drug).
► Causes of ischemic necrosis (also called “coagulation necrosis”): it is linked to a stoppage of blood circulation such as during a myocardial infarction, a burn or a pressure sore. The lack of oxygen supply to a tissue, due to cell obstruction, causes cell death.
► Causes of liquefaction necrosis : it results from the digestion of dead cells. It results in the formation of pus and is usually caused by a bacterial infection.
► Causes of fibrinoid necrosis: it affects the cells of the walls of the vessels during certain autoimmune diseases (lupus erythematosus in particular).
The diagnosis of necrosis of an organ or part of an organ depends on its cause. If the necrosis is cutaneous, the diagnosis is clinical. Complementary examinations will be prescribed according to the associated signs: chest softness, fever, complications of diabetes. Dental necrosis remains spring of the dentist.
Treatment for necrosis depends on its cause and location. Treatments for myocardial infarction or stroke, for example, are specific. The treatment of the necrotic zone, when it is apparent (on the skin for example), requires theexcision of this area and a controlled healing process. When this is ineffective, a skin graft (autograft) is necessary to avoid complications. If the cartilage or bone is also affected and the blood vessels are too degraded, amputation is indicated. Please note, diabetics are at high risk of necrotic complications, particularly cutaneous, in the lower limbs. Monitoring the feet of diabetics must be rigorous.
What are the (possible) complications of necrosis?
Depending on the area affected by necrosis, the consequences can be more or less serious. Thus necrosis in the heart is responsible for heart failure, while that of brain cells causes motor and sensory disturbances. If the necrosis is too extensive, it can be fatal, which is the case, for example, whensepsis organgrene.