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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you have an underlying disease associated with pyoderma gangrenosum, treating that condition may help control the ulcers. However, other treatments may be necessary to heal the wounds. These options include:
- Wound care. Your doctor may recommend that you apply antibacterial ointments to the ulcers to help prevent infection or wrap your skin in a protective layer of gauze.
- Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids help relieve inflammation. Usually pyoderma gangrenosum is treated with oral corticosteroids. In some milder cases a topical steroid — a medication you apply to your skin — also can be used.
- Immunosuppressants. These drugs help calm the autoimmune response in your skin, which reduces inflammation.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Medications in the sulfone family, such as dapsone, are often used. Milder cases might involve using minocycline, an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medication.
- Surgery. Doctors don't commonly use surgery as a treatment option because trauma to the skin may worsen existing ulcers or stimulate new ones to develop. This tendency to worsen with surgery is called pathergy. If the ulcers on your skin are large and need help with healing, your doctor may surgically attach a piece of real or artificial skin (skin grafting) over the open sores. Doctors perform surgery only if the inflammation has improved.
As your skin heals, you'll likely taper off the corticosteroids or immunosuppressants. You can expect your skin to recover several months after beginning therapy. Without treatment, the ulcers may widen, remain the same or slowly heal.
