skipping(in gangrene)

Last reviewed 01/2018

Skipping describes the process where the line of demarcation between dead and live tissue develops slowly or not at all. The gangrene appears suddenly as "skip" areas further up the limb from the initial site. Black patches are discernible on the side of the foot, the heel, the dorsum of the foot, in front of the ankle, or in the calf. The process commonly occurs in gangrene due to atherosclerosis or embolism.