Pyoderma gangrenosum and ulcerative colitis in the tropics

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2008 Nov-Dec;41(6):664-7. doi: 10.1590/s0037-86822008000600020.

Abstract

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare inflammatory skin condition, characterized by progressive and recurrent skin ulceration. There may be rapidly enlarging, painful ulcers with undermined edges and a necrotic, hemorrhagic base. Disorders classically associated with pyoderma gangrenosum include rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, paraproteinemia and myeloproliferative disorders. There have been some reports of the occurrence of pyoderma gangrenosum in Africa, and in Nigeria, but only one specifically reported pyoderma gangrenosum in association with ulcerative colitis. We report on a 45-year-old man who presented with pyoderma gangrenosum associated with ulcerative colitis; the second report in Nigeria. The skin lesions were managed with daily honey wound dressings. Oral dapsone and prednisolone were started. The frequency of the bloody diarrhea decreased, and was completely resolved by the second week after admission. The ulcers also showed accelerated healing. The goal of therapy is directed towards the associated systemic disorder, if present.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / complications*
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / diagnosis
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / drug therapy
  • Dapsone / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum / complications*
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum / diagnosis
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Dapsone
  • Prednisolone