Pyoderma gangrenosum (pie-o-DUR-muh gang-ruh-NO-sum) is a rare condition that causes large, painful sores on the skin. The sores can develop quickly. Most often they appear on the legs.

Understanding the Context

The exact causes of pyoderma gangrenosum are unknown, but it appears to be a disorder of the immune system. Pyoderma gangrenosum causes small bumps on your skin that can quickly develop into large ulcers. This condition can be difficult to diagnose, and even after a diagnosis, it may take some time for your symptoms to heal. Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) presents as a rapidly enlarging, very painful ulcer.

Key Insights

It is one of a group of autoinflammatory disorders known as neutrophilic dermatoses. The name pyoderma gangrenosum is historical. The condition is not an infection (pyoderma), nor does it cause gangrene. Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon inflammatory and ulcerative skin disorder characterized histopathologically by the accumulation of neutrophils in the skin. Pyoderma means any skin disease that is pyogenic (has pus).

Final Thoughts

These include superficial bacterial infections such as impetigo, impetigo contagiosa, ecthyma, folliculitis, Bockhart's impetigo, furuncle, carbuncle, tropical ulcer, etc. [1][2] Autoimmune conditions include pyoderma gangrenosum. Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a reactive non-infectious inflammatory dermatosis falling under the spectrum of the neutrophilic dermatoses. There are several subtypes, with ‘classical PG’ as the most common form in approximately 85% cases. Learn about Pyoderma Gangrenosum, a rare autoimmune skin condition that causes painful ulcers. Review symptoms, possible causes, and treatment options.

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a chronic, neutrophilic, progressive skin necrosis of unknown etiology often associated with systemic illness and sometimes skin injury. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment includes wound care and, based on severity, anti-inflammatory medications or immunosuppressants.