Gentian violet for pyoderma gangrenosum: a retrospective chart review

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Wound Healing
• Autoinflammatory Diseases

Background:

• Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, chronic autoinflammatory skin disease requiring multifaceted treatment.
• Gentian violet, known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, has a long history in dermatological applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of gentian violet as an adjunctive treatment for wound healing in patients with pyoderma gangrenosum.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients diagnosed with pyoderma gangrenosum.
• Patients treated with gentian violet at Wake Forest School of Medicine Department of Dermatology over the past 10 years were included.
• Clinical improvement was assessed as the primary outcome.

Main Results:

• Out of 34 eligible cases, 70% demonstrated clinical improvement with the addition of gentian violet.
• 24% showed no documented change, while 3% initially improved then worsened, and 3% had unclear results.
• Gentian violet was found to be a safe and cost-effective treatment option.

Conclusions:

• Gentian violet may serve as a beneficial and inexpensive topical agent for enhancing pyoderma gangrenosum lesion resolution.
• It can be safely incorporated into existing treatment regimens, complementing systemic therapies.