Pyoderma gangrenosum: recognition and management

Pyoderma gangrenosum, a progressive necrotizing and ulcerative disease of the skin, presents serious problems in diagnosis and management to physicians not familar with the entity. The clinical basis of the diagnosis is outlined, and the possible etiological mechanisms are reviewed. Treatment is primarily nonsurgical, relying on oral administration of corticosteroids and conservative local care of the ulcers.