Discover

__NOTOC__
'Pyoderma gangrenosum' is a disease that causes tissue to become necrotic, causing deep ulcers that usually occur on the legs. When they occur, they can lead to chronic wounds. Ulcers usually initially look like small bug bites or papules, and they progress to larger ulcers. Though the wounds rarely lead to death, they can cause pain and scarring.
The disease was identified in 1930. It affects approximately 1 person in 100,000 in the population. Though it can affect people of any age, it mostly affects people in their 40s and 50s.^[1]

Contents

Types

Causes

Treatment

Reference

External links

Types

There are two main types of pyoderma gangrenosum:

★ the normal ulcerative form, which occurs in the legs

★ an 'atypical' form that is more superficial and occurs in the hands and other parts of the body
Other variations are^[2]:

★ Peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum is 15% of all cases of pyoderma

★ Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum

★ Pustular pyoderma gangrenosum^[3]

★ Vegetative pyoderma gangrenosum^[4]

Causes

Though the etiology is not well understood, the disease is thought to be due to immune system dysfunction, and particularly improper functioning of neutrophils. At least half of all pyoderma gangrenosum patients also suffer from illnesses that affect their systemic function. For instance, around 2% of Crohn's disease sufferers have the condition.

Treatment

A number of treatment options exist.^[5]

Reference

1. Jackson JM and Callen JP. 2006. Emedicine: Pyoderma Gangrenosum. Retrieved on January 23, 2007.
2. Diagnosis and treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum, Brooklyn T, Dunnill G, Probert C, , , BMJ, 2006
3. Pustular pyoderma gangrenosum, Shankar S, Sterling JC, Rytina E, , , Clin. Exp. Dermatol., 2003
4. Vegetative pyoderma gangrenosum: a report of two new cases and a review of the literature, Langan SM, Powell FC, , , Int. J. Dermatol., 2005
5. Treatment recommendations for pyoderma gangrenosum: an evidence-based review of the literature based on more than 350 patients, Reichrath J, Bens G, Bonowitz A, Tilgen W, , , J. Am. Acad. Dermatol., 2005

External links

Erythema Nodosum Online Support Group for those with Pyoderma Gangrenosum[1]

★

★ Infliximab for the treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial