The skin is the outer layer of the human body that protects the organs and tissues of the body from external substances, objects and infections. The skin is also a vital determining factor when it comes to the appearance of the individual. The skin is made of many layers that perform different functions. The top layer of the skin is regularly replaced by the layer below it so that the skin appears fresh and well maintained. There are many different skin conditions that may affect an individual from time to time. General good health and good hygiene are important when it comes to the maintenance of the skin.
When told the term, one would often wonder what is Pyoderma gangrenosum. Pyoderma gangrenosum refers to a form of skin ulceration that may affect any person of any age or gender. Pyoderma gangrenosum is more common in people who are older than fifty years of age, but it can affect individuals of other age groups as well. A person who experiences this condition will display pyoderma gangrenosum symptoms that include deep and wide ulceration of the skin, often with purple edges to the ulcer. Ulcers that form as a result of pyoderma gangrenosum tend to occur quickly. The pace of ulceration is quite fast which can be alarming to most patients. These ulcers often form from an initial injury site that is extremely small. Pyoderma gangrenosum ulcers may heal themselves or may continue to expand. In some cases, pyoderma gangrenosum may reach a maximum size where they persist until treatment is sought. While pyoderma gangrenosum ulcers may occur in any part of the body, they are most likely to occur on the lower part of the legs.
The causes of pyoderma gangrenosum have been linked to immune system problems, often auto immune problems. Nearly half of the patients who suffer from pyoderma gangrenosum may experience other auto immune diseases like ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease. While these conditions do increase the risk of pyoderma gangrenosum, they are not listed as causes of pyoderma gangrenosum. They simply increase the chances or aggravate the condition.
Pyoderma gangrenosum treatment depends entirely on the proper diagnosis of the condition. Often, the condition may be mistaken for other forms of skin disease until the accurate diagnosis is made. Many patients who suffer from pyoderma gangrenosum symptoms may also develop infections in their wound sites. This happens because the outer layer of skin is already compromised by the condition itself. This makes the skin vulnerable to bacterial or fungal infections. When the diagnosis is properly made, the pyoderma gangrenosum treatment can be performed. The procedure for pyoderma gangrenosum treatment includes the gradual removal of dead tissue and the treatment of the ulcer with steroid based creams. Naturally, this can only be done under doctor’s supervision as the patient will not be qualified to make the diagnosis in the first place. Pyoderma gangrenosum treatment may include the use of antibiotic medication, especially if there is an infection that has been discovered at the site of the problem.
The treatment for pyoderma gangrenosum is usually successful. Many patients will suffer from permanent scarring of the area. Some patients may also experience full healing without scarring. This depends on many factors such as the type of ulcer, the depth of the ulcer and the size of the ulcer. Smaller ulcers tend to heal easily without scarring. Therefore, it is always recommended that the pyoderma gangrenosum treatment process be started as soon as possible. This will ensure that the skin heals quickly. The area of the ulcer and around it should be cleaned using the techniques explained by the doctor. This will ensure that the development of infectious diseases in the area is avoided.