Digital necrosis caused by a snake bite

Abstract

Snake bite is a prevalent significant cause of morbidity and mortality especially in the rural areas during summer months. It can lead to local and systemic complications varying according to the contents of the toxin. The rapid reversible systemic effects of antivenom are coagulopathy and hemorrhage. Local effects are pain, edema, bulla, secondary infection, dermatonecrosis and necrosis. Although most snake bite lesions heal without any sequela, necrosis in the bitten area, acute renal failure, compartment syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation, intracranial hemorrhage and death might occur. While 90-98% of the snake bites are seen on the extremities, digital necrosis is not a common state. In this report, a digital necrosis developed in the patient who applied with the complaint of a snake bite on the fourth finger of her left hand has been pointed out.