Pyoderma gangrenosum following breast reduction: treatment with topical tacrolimus and steroids.
Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, noninfectious, inflammatory dermatosis usually associated with autoimmune disorders. Wounds may mimic a necrotizing infection, and the diagnosis is usually made after antibiotic therapy fails. Debridement may cause even larger wounds because of pathergy, so PG treatment consists of corticosteroids and local wound care. Pyoderma gangrenosum can be a devastating complication of breast and aesthetic surgery. We describe a case of PG following unilateral breast reduction that resulted in systemic inflammatory response; after treatment with prednisone and topical tacrolimus, the PG was resolved. The application of topical tacrolimus may reduce the need for prolonged corticosteroids.


METHODS
5.
Dr Doren is an Integrated Plastic Surgery Resident in the Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.
Erin Louise
EL
Doren
Melanie Lynn
ML
Aya-ay
D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017511:Pyoderma Gangrenosum / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D011241:Prednisone; D016559:Tacrolimus
autoimmune; breast reduction; debridement; necrotizing soft tissue infection; pyoderma gangrenosum; topical tacrolimus