Management of pyoderma gangrenosum--an update.
Pyoderma gangrenosum is a neutrophilic dermatosis with distinctive clinical manifestations. It is frequently associated with systemic diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis and myeloproliferative diseases. The etiopathogenesis of pyoderma gangrenosum is still not well understood. Clinically it is classified into ulcerative, pustular, bullous and vegetative types. The diagnosis mainly depends on the recognition of evolving clinical features as there are no specific investigations for the diagnosis. It is essential to exclude other infectious diseases before therapy is initiated as corticosteroids and immunosuppressant therapy are the mainstays in the treatment of this disease. Recently, drugs like tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and infliximab have shown promising results in this condition. Recent concepts regarding the various types of pyoderma gangrenosum and its management are reviewed.
Bhat
Ramesh M
RM
Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Fr. Muller Medical College, Mangalore, India. rameshderma@yahoo.com