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Mayo specialists offer integrated treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum (PG), an uncommon cause of skin ulceration which sometimes also affects other organs. Mayo Clinic dermatologists were the first to identify the condition in 1930. Today, Mayo dermatologists employ the latest methods to prevent and treat these ulcerations. Other specialists — from gastroenterologists to plastic surgeons — are involved, as needed. Mayo is also experienced in caring for autoimmune diseases often associated with PG.
Diagnosing PG requires excluding other causes for skin ulcers which look similar. Diagnostic tools include a complete patient history, blood tests, imaging studies and biopsies. Doctors classify PG as classic or atypical; there are other variations as well. Specialists who treat autoimmune disease (often associated with this condition) are trained to recognize PG. Read more about pyoderma gangrenosum diagnosis.
Pyoderma gangrenosum can be treated effectively, but complete healing can take months. Small ulcers are usually treated with topical creams and dressings, while large ulcers require immunosuppressive therapy. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors show promise in treating PG. Surgical procedures are rarely used because they can aggravate the condition. Read more about pyoderma gangrenosum treatment options.
Classic PG is marked by a deep ulceration with a purple border. Lesions usually occur on the legs.
Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon ulcerative skin condition which most often affects people in their 40s or 50s. Rarely, PG may affect children and adolescents. It is associated with autoimmune diseases in at least 50 percent of patients.
PG usually starts suddenly — often at the site of a minor injury — as a small pustule, red bump or blood blister. The skin breaks down, resulting in an ulcer, or ulcers, which may deepen and widen rapidly. Characteristically, the edge of an ulcer is purple and undermined as it enlarges. PG ulcers are painful.
PG is usually observed on the legs; less typically on the hands. PG lesions can also occur in other organ systems, such as the heart, central nervous system, digestive tract, eyes, liver, spleen, bones and lymph nodes. PG generally responds well to treatment; however, it sometimes recurs or causes scarring.
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