by Krisha McCoy, MS
En Espaol (Spanish Version) Pyoderma gangrenosum is an uncommon form of skin ulcers. It usually occurs on the lower legs, but can occur anywhere on the skin.
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Pyoderma gangrenosum is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, which means it occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own tissues.
Pyoderma gangrenosum is more likely to occur in people who have other underlying medical conditions, including:
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
The chief symptom of pyoderma gangrenosum is painful skin ulcers. These ulcers may begin as small pustules, often as the site of a minor injury, but they can enlarge up to 20 centimeters (or 7.9 inches). The ulcers may have a characteristic purple, rolled or undermined edge.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. He or she will refer you to a dermatologist, who specializes in conditions of the skin. Pyoderma gangrenosum is diagnosed by its appearance and by ruling out other causes of skin ulceration. Tests may include the following:
Swabs to test for microorganismsBiopsy removal of a sample of tissue to rule out other causes of the ulcers Blood tests TreatmentTalk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include: Steroid Medications and Cyclosporine For most cases of pyoderma gangrenosum , steroid medications and cyclosporine are the first line of treatment. These medications are used to help suppress the body's immune system. Steroid Creams or InjectionsTopical steroid creams or injections of steroid into the lesion may help treat small ulcers. Other Medications Other medications have shown promise in treating pyoderma gangrenosum . These medications include: InfliximabEtanerceptAdalimumabColchicinesMycophenolate MofetilTacrolimusCyclophosphamide Prevention There is no known way to prevent pyoderma gangrenosum , but people who have the condition can reduce the chance of getting new ulcers by avoiding injuring the skin. RESOURCES: American Academy of Dermatologyhttp://www.aad.org/default.htm American Autoimmune Related Diseases Associationhttp://www.aarda.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca Canadian Institute for Health Informationhttp://www.cihi.ca/cihiweb References: Charles CA, Leon A, Banta MR, Kirsner RS. Etanercept for the treatment of refractory pyoderma gangrenosum: a brief series. Int J Dermatol . 2007 Oct;46(10):1095-9. Pyoderma gangrenosum . DermNet NZ website. Available at: http://dermnetnz.org/reactions/pyoderma-gangrenosum.html. Accessed February 27, 2007. Pyoderma gangrenosum . DynaMed website. Available at: http://dynamed101.epnet.com/Detail.aspx?id=113752. Accessed February 27, 2007. Reguia Z, Grange F. The role of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha therapy in Pyoderma gangrenosum associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Am J Clin Dermatol . 2007;8(2):67-77. Review. Last reviewed March 2008 by Ross Zeltser, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
