Living with Pyoderma gangrenosum
A rare inflammatory skin disease in which a painful bump breaks down into a growing ulcer.
Understanding Pyoderma gangrenosum
It can occur with no other disease, or with conditions like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, arthritis, vasculitis, or leukemia. GARD says it occurs in about 1 person per 100,000 each year in the United States. Ulcers can appear after an injury to the skin. It can start at a variety of ages.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Open skin sores (ulcers)
- Painful bumps or pustules
- Fever
- Joint pain and muscle aches
- Scars with sunken skin
- Bowel inflammation or arthritis in some people
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists, genetic specialists and skin, hair, and nail specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Autoimmune Association may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists (rheumatologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists); Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Autoimmune Association
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Autoimmune Association and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says it can occur with no apparent underlying disorder or alongside other diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Ulcers can follow skin injury.
Patient organizations
- Autoimmune AssociationPyoderma gangrenosum · United States
- Children's Skin Disease FoundationSkin diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Pyoderma gangrenosum.
Explore research for Pyoderma gangrenosum
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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