What is Pyoderma Gangrenosum?
Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare, debilitating and potentially severe inflammatory skin disease, that can be challenging to diagnose.1 It commonly begins as a small pustule, which rapidly progresses to painful ulcers with raised purple or pink colored borders.1
Symptoms of Pyoderma Gangrenosum
The main symptom of pyoderma gangrenosum is a large, painful ulcer on the skin. This ulcer usually begins as a small bump, spot or blood blister that quickly grows and forms into an ulcer.2 These ulcers most commonly affect the lower limbs but can also affect other areas of the body.3,4
Other symptoms of pyoderma gangrenosum can include2:
• Stiff joints
• Aching and muscle pain
• A high temperature
Causes and prevalence of Pyoderma Gangrenosum
There are multiple causes of pyoderma gangrenosum including minor body trauma, systemic inflammatory disease, certain drugs and genetic risk factors.3,5
The disease can affect individuals of all ages but is most common in middle-aged adults.3
Pyoderma Gangrenosum can significantly impact quality of life
The rapid and painful nature of this rare skin disease means that people living with pyoderma gangrenosum may face everyday life in constant fear of recurrence or disease worsening.1
References
- Maverakis E, Marzano AV, Le ST, et al. Pyoderma gangrenosum. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2020;6(1):81.
- nhs.uk. (2017). Pyoderma gangrenosum. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pyoderma-gangrenosum/.
- Marzano AV, Borghi A, Wallach D, Cugno M. A Comprehensive Review of Neutrophilic Diseases. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2018;54(1):114-130.
- Binus AM, Qureshi AA, Li VW, Winterfield LS. Pyoderma gangrenosum: a retrospective review of patient characteristics, comorbidities and therapy in 103 patients. Br J Dermatol. 2011;165(6):1244-1250.
- Magdalena Łyko, Anna Ryguła, Michał Kowalski, Julia Karska and Alina Jankowska-Konsur. The Pathophysiology and Treatment of Pyoderma Gangrenosum—Current Options and New Perspective. 2024