Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffWith treatment, you're likely to recover from pyoderma gangrenosum. However, you may feel stress about the possibility of recurrence or about the scarring of your skin. Here are some suggestions for coping with the disease:
- Educate yourself about pyoderma gangrenosum. The more you know, the better prepared you'll be to deal with complications or recurrences. Besides talking to your doctor, you may want to talk to a counselor or medical social worker. Or you may find it helpful to talk to other people with pyoderma gangrenosum.
- Follow your doctor's recommendations. If your doctor recommends certain treatments or lifestyle changes, be sure to follow them. Ask questions if anything is unclear.
- Maintain a strong support system. Family and friends can help you tremendously as you go through this difficult time. Sometimes, though, you may find the concern and understanding of other people with pyoderma gangrenosum especially comforting. Go online to connect with other people living with the disease.
References
- Pyoderma gangrenosum. The Merck Manuals Online: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec10/ch117/ch117h.html. Accessed April 21, 2010.
- Peppercorn MA. Skin and eye manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 8, 2010.
- Habif TP. Hypersensitivity syndromes and vasculitis. In: Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..00027-4--s0815&uniq=196584586&isbn=978-0-7234-3541-9&sid=986856689. Accessed April 21, 2010.
- Cohen PR. Neutrophilic dermatoses: A review of current treatment options. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2009:10:301.
- Moschella SL. Neutrophilic dermatoses. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 21, 2010.

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