Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition characterized by painful, rapidly progressing ulcers. They can start as blisters (bullae), small inflamed pus-filled sores (pustules), orlarge open sores (ulcers). These ulcers typically have undermined (overhanging) borders and a violaceous (purplish) hue. PG can occur anywhere on the body but is often found on the legs. It is associated with various underlying systemic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and hematologic malignancies. Treatment typically involves immunosuppressive medications and wound care management.
A
Ulcerative
Site: Lower extremities and trunk
Linked to: IBD, arthritis
Appearance: Painful necrotic ulcer with purple borders and erythema.
Linked to: IBD, arthritis
Appearance: Painful necrotic ulcer with purple borders and erythema.
B
Pustular
Site:Lower extremities, trunk, oral mucosa
Linked to:IBD
Appearance: Pus-filled lesions with symmetric purple borders.
Linked to:IBD
Appearance: Pus-filled lesions with symmetric purple borders.
C
Bullous
Site:Arms, face
Linked to:Mylogeneousleukemia
Appearance: Painful blisters leading to erosion and ulcers.
Linked to:Mylogeneousleukemia
Appearance: Painful blisters leading to erosion and ulcers.
D
Vegetative
Site: Head, neck
Linked to:IBD, arthritis
Appearance: Slow growth withdiminished pain.
Linked to:IBD, arthritis
Appearance: Slow growth withdiminished pain.
E
Peristomal
Site:Around stoma
Linked to: IBD
Appearance: Clear, overhanging border and ulcerated bumps.
Linked to: IBD
Appearance: Clear, overhanging border and ulcerated bumps.
F
Post-Op
Site:Abdominal andbreast surgery
Appearance: Inflammation at surgical site with merging ulcers.
Appearance: Inflammation at surgical site with merging ulcers.
G
Most common type
H
Potentialaffected sites
I
Ulcerativepyoderma gangrenosum