Understanding Pyoderma Gangrenosum: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Explore Over 11,000+ Conditions, Medications, and Symptoms.

Get a personalized feed by signing up for free.

All Conditions

Pyoderma Gangrenosum

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

Pyoderma Gangrenosum is a rare and non-specific manifestation of a systemic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. The condition begins with a single nodule or pustule. The initial lesion may look like a sting, but over time it becomes an ulcer and its margins become clear and purple. This condition appears mainly in the limbs. 50% of the cases are idiopathic and 50% are due to inflammatory bowel disease, myeloproliferative diseases, pre-neoplastic syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and more. The initial lesion varies in the different conditions and is therefore sometimes difficult to diagnose.

14 people with Pyoderma Gangrenosum are on Alike.

"Alike is the place to get answers from people who firsthand share your health challenges"

Signs & symptoms

Pyoderma gangrenosum usually starts with a small, red or purple colored bump or blisters on the skin. Often these bumps develop into a large, painful open sore. Sometimes few ulcerations can merge into a larger one. The classis PG often occurs near surgical sites. There are several types of ulcers. The typical one affects the legs and the atypical is more superficial and affects hands and other sites. The atypical form is linked to an underlying disorder especially hematological malignancy such as leukemia. Other symptoms may include fever, localized tenderness, joint pain, and malaise.

Diagnosis

To diagnose Pyoderma Gangrenosum, the patient must meet at least 4 of these different criteria which are based on histology, patient's history, clinical examination, and treatment: • Histology: Exclusion of infection (including histologically indicated stains and tissue cultures) • Pathergy (ulcer occurring at sites of trauma, with ulcer extending past area of trauma) • Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease or inflammatory arthritis • History of papule, pustule, or vesicle that rapidly ulcerated • Clinical examination (or photographic evidence) of peripheral erythema, undermining border, and tenderness at site of ulceration • Multiple ulcerations (at least 1 occurring on an anterior lower leg) • Cribriform or “wrinkled paper” scar(s) at sites of healed ulcers • Decrease in ulcer size within 1 mo of initiating immunosuppressive medication(s)

Treatment

Treatment of PG consists of several option: -Open wet dressings on the ulcers and application of anti-inflammatory creams and topical corticosteroids. - Oral corticosteroids or intramuscular or intralesional injections. - Immunosuppressive medication such Cyclosporine, Azathioprine, Cyclophosphamide, Infliximab and adalimumab. - Antibacterial treatment such as dapsone.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

Latest Discussions

noelle08

Best Treatments for Wound Management

Alike Wisdom

Instantly get answers to medical questions with our AI, built from the collective wisdom of our community facing similar experiences

Best Treatments for Wound Management

Alike is a transformative platform that goes beyond just bringing together patients; it meticulously connects individuals based on multiple critical factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities, medications, diet, and more, fostering a community of knowledge, support and empathy.

About Alike Wisdom Blog FAQ Editorial Team All Conditions All Posts All Communities Support

Your Privacy Stories Community Guidelines Terms of Use Privacy Policy Helplines Contact Us Group Chats Guidelines Moderation Process

Sign In