Project Peach
Green Light Pharmacy Logo
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. By clicking 'I Understand and Accept', you consent to our use of cookies.
I understand and accept
No, I don't want to use cookies
My Account
Control Panel
An example toast message
Do Something
Login
en
en
Green Light Pharmacy LogoGreen Light Pharmacy Logo
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Order
Book
Services
Travel Clinic
Weight Loss
Branches
Log Out
Order
Book
Login
Login
en
en
Do Something
Login
en
en
Green Light Pharmacy LogoGreen Light Pharmacy Logo
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Order
Book
Services
Travel Clinic
Weight Loss
Branches
Log Out
Order
Book
Login
Login
en
en
Pyoderma gangrenosum
Check if you have pyoderma gangrenosum

The main symptom of pyoderma gangrenosum is a large, painful ulcer on your skin.

It usually starts as a small bump, spot or blood blister that gets bigger quickly and turns into an ulcer.

Sometimes you may have more than 1 ulcer.

Pyoderma gangrenosum ulcers:

  • usually appear on the legs or chest
  • may also appear around a cut or graze, a stoma (where part of your bowel is brought through an opening made in your tummy), or cuts from surgery
  • may leak fluid
A pyoderma gangrenosum ulcer on the leg shown on dark brown skin. The ulcer looks red and around it is darker and slightly purple.

On brown or black skin, the skin around the pyoderma gangrenosum ulcer may be darker than the rest of the skin.

Other symptoms include:

  • stiff joints
  • aching and painful muscles
  • a high temperature

If you're not sure it's pyoderma gangrenosum

Other conditions can have similar symptoms to pyoderma gangrenosum, such as venous leg ulcers, injuries to the skin, insect bites, skin tumours or infection.

Do not try to diagnose the problem yourself. See a GP if you're worried.

See a GP if:

  • you have a skin ulcer that's not getting better
Treatment for pyoderma gangrenosum

How pyoderma gangrenosum is treated depends on how severe it is.

It can take a long time for the ulcers to heal and you may have scars.

Treatment may include:

  • creams or ointments
  • bandages and dressings to protect the ulcer
  • medicines to calm or control your body's immune system
  • steroid injections
  • antibiotics

Rarely, you may need surgery remove the ulcers.

Causes of pyoderma gangrenosum

It's not always clear what causes pyoderma gangrenosum. It may be an autoimmune disease, where the body's natural defence system (immune system) attacks healthy parts of your body.

It can also sometimes happen after an injury to the skin.

You may be more likely to get pyoderma gangrenosum if you have certain conditions, including:

You may also be more likely to get pyoderma gangrenosum if you take certain medicines.

Last Reviewed
24 July 2024
NHS websiteNHS website
Green Light Pharmacy Logo
Inspiring communities today and tomorrow
Do Something
Do Something
Menu
Pharmacy Services
Order Prescriptions
Health A-Z
Healthy Living Zone
Testimonials
Download Our App
Our Stores
Store Locator
Andrew McCoig Pharmacy
Geddes Pharmacy
Green Light Borehamwood
Green Light Bromley-by-Bow
Green Light Cricklewood
Green Light Euston
Green Light Green Lanes
Green Light Mornington Crescent
Green Light Ritchie Street
Green Light Sheperds Bush
Green Light Stamford Hill Broadway
Green Light Stamford Hill Dunsmure
Green Light Stamford Hill Oldhill Street
Green Light Stepney
Green Light Swiss Cottage
Hodgetts Pharmacy
Keencare Harrow
Keencare Victoria
Makepeace and Jackson Pharmacy
Medipharm Pharmacy
Twickenham Pharmacy
No stores found
Green Light Pharmacy © 2024
Website by bewell.uk
Privacy Policy
Cookies Policy
Terms & Conditions