Pyoderma gangrenosum
Who is affected
Pyoderma gangrenosumis seen in men and women of any age, but usually affects young and middle-aged adults.
People with the following health conditions are particularly susceptible:
- inflammatory bowel disease including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
- rheumatoid arthritis a long-term condition causing pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints
- blood dyscrasia a blood disorder
- hepatitis inflammation of the liver
- granulomatosis with polyangiitis an uncommon condition in which the walls of blood vessels become inflamed
- cancer affecting the blood cells including acute myeloid leukaemia
- PAPA syndrome a rare genetic disorder
The severity of these conditions is often not related to your chances of developing pyoderma gangrenosum.It can sometimes develop even if the condition is mild or well controlled.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare skin condition that causes painful ulcers. It's usually treatable, but may take some time to heal and may leave some scarring.
When to seek medical advice
You should seek medical advice as soon as possible if you think you may have developed pyoderma gangrenosum. Either see your GP or contact your care team if you have one of the conditions mentioned be
Who is affected
Pyoderma gangrenosumis seen in men and women of any age, but usually affects young and middle-aged adults. People with the following health conditions are particularly susceptible: inflammatory b
What causes pyoderma gangrenosum?
The exact cause of pyoderma gangrenosum is not understood, but it's thought to be areaction to a disease or illness, such as the health conditions listed above. However, about halfof all peoplewith p
Diagnosing pyoderma gangrenosum
There is no specificblood test for pyoderma gangrenosum. If your doctor thinks you might have the condition, they may take a sample of your skin (a biopsy ) to examine under the microscope in a labor
How pyoderma gangrenosum is treated
Pyoderma gangrenosum is treatable, but may take some time to heal. Theres no clear evidence to suggest what the best treatment is, but the main treatments are outlined below. Care of the wound Dress
Outlook
In many people with pyoderma gangrenosum, the ulcers heal with relatively simple treatments. However, some scarring in the affected area is common. The progression of the condition varies from person
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