Pyoderma gangrenosum--a literature review.

Pyoderma gangrenosum is an ulcerative skin disorder with typical clinical characteristics. Histologic and laboratory findings are nonspecific. Pyoderma gangrenosum is associated with internal disorders including inflammatory bowel disease, paraproteinemias, leukemias, and arthritis. The pathogenesis of pyoderma gangrenosum is unknown, although a partial defect of cell-mediated immunity may exist. Treatment includes bedrest, local care, sulfonamides, sulfones, and corticosteroids.