Pyoderma Gangrenosum

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare but serious skin condition that often affects people with autoimmune diseases. At Restore Wound Healing in Rockwall, Texas, wound care specialist Lince Varughese, MD, and his team have years of experience diagnosing and treating pyoderma gangrenosum. They use a proven approach that relieves pain, prevents complications, and speeds healing. While the office is based in Rockwall, the practice also sees patients from surrounding areas. Call Restore Wound Healing today to schedule pyoderma gangrenosum treatment, or book your visit online.

What is pyoderma gangrenosum?

Pyoderma gangrenosum causes large, painful ulcers (open wounds) to form on the skin. These ulcers develop quickly and can appear anywhere on the body but most commonly affect the legs. 

Researchers don’t know what causes pyoderma gangrenosum, but immune system problems may contribute. The condition often affects people with autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 

What are the symptoms of pyoderma gangrenosum?

Pyoderma gangrenosum symptoms include:

• Small red bumps that appear on the skin and grow rapidly
• Open ulcers with raised borders
• Inflammation and pain around the sores
• Fever
• Joint pain

Even though pyoderma gangrenosum sores start small, they often become large and deep rapidly. Prompt treatment can slow this process and prevent complications.

How is pyoderma gangrenosum diagnosed?

There isn’t a test that diagnoses pyoderma gangrenosum. Because the condition presents similar symptoms to other health problems, Dr. Varughese uses a process of elimination. Specifically, he orders bloodwork and other lab tests to rule out other possible causes of skin ulcers.

In addition to lab work, Dr. Varughese might take a biopsy (skin sample) or bone marrow sample. Once he receives the results of your tests, Dr. Varughese makes personalized treatment recommendations.

How is pyoderma gangrenosum treated?

At Restore Wound Healing, Dr. Varughese uses an integrative, minimally invasive approach to treat pyoderma gangrenosum. He could suggest:

• Topical creams or ointments to apply to the ulcers
• Wound debridement (removing dead and diseased tissue from around the wound)
• Oral or topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Silver sulfadiazine skin cream to prevent infection
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy to speed wound healing
• Immunosuppressant medications
• Biologic agents to target inflammatory proteins
• Cleaning the wound with Vashe® to eliminate germs and bacteria
• Vaporox therapy to accelerate wound closure and promote healing
• Applying Juven®, a therapeutic collagen powder, to the wound to speed up healing
• Using Theraworx®, a line of topical skin products, to dress and protect the wound

Most people benefit from several treatments. Dr. Varughese monitors your recovery at regular checkups, adjusting your care plan as needed.

How long does it take for pyoderma gangrenosum to heal?

The time it takes for pyoderma gangrenosum to heal depends on various factors, including the size and severity of each ulcer. Because the condition is challenging to treat, recovery typically takes several weeks or months.

Call Restore Wound Healing today to schedule pyoderma gangrenosum treatment, or book your appointment online.