Acral necrosis

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Acral Necrosis

Acral necrosis (/ˈækrəl nɪˈkroʊsɪs/) is a medical condition characterized by the death of cells in the extremities, such as the hands, feet, and nose. The term is derived from the Greek words "akros" meaning "extreme" and "nekrosis" meaning "death".

Definition

Acral necrosis is a form of necrosis that specifically affects the extremities. It is often associated with severe systemic diseases such as sepsis and vasculitis, or exposure to extreme cold, a condition known as frostbite.

Symptoms

Symptoms of acral necrosis include discoloration of the skin, pain, and eventually, tissue death. The affected areas may turn black and start to decay, leading to gangrene if not treated promptly.

Causes

The primary cause of acral necrosis is a lack of blood flow to the extremities. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including severe systemic diseases, exposure to extreme cold, or injury. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes and Raynaud's disease can also increase the risk of developing acral necrosis.

Treatment

Treatment for acral necrosis primarily involves addressing the underlying cause. This may include antibiotics for sepsis, vasodilators for vasculitis, or warming for frostbite. In severe cases, amputation may be necessary to prevent the spread of necrosis.

See Also

External links

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