Pyoderma gangrenosum

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a condition that causes large, painful sores (ulcers) to develop on your skin, most often on your legs.

It's not certain what causes pyoderma gangrenosum, but it may be related to a disorder of the immune system. About half the people with pyoderma gangrenosum have an underlying chronic health condition.

Pyoderma gangrenosum is rare. Effective treatment for pyoderma gangrenosum is available, but in some cases, the ulcers may leave scars. Early diagnosis and therapy reduce your risk of scarring. In some cases, pyoderma gangrenosum may recur.

References
  1. 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.
  2. Peppercorn MA. Skin and eye manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 8, 2010.
  3. 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.
  4. Cohen PR. Neutrophilic dermatoses: A review of current treatment options. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2009:10:301.
  5. Moschella SL. Neutrophilic dermatoses. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 21, 2010.
DS00723 June 12, 2010

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