Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rarely seen condition which manifests as big, painful ulcers on the skin, most frequently on the legs.
The precise cause of pyoderma gangrenosum is still ambiguous; however, it appears to be due to a dysfunction of the immune system. Those having certain underlying conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or rheumatoid arthritis, are at a bigger risk of developing the disorder.
The treatment regimen comprises of corticosteroids, in conjunct with other medications which suppress the immune mechanism. The process of healing takes about 2 to 3 months. Pyoderma gangrenosum commences with a red, tiny bump on the skin. In about 4 to 5 days, the bump develops in to a big, painful ulcer. Painful sores tend to develop on the legs, but could also develop elsewhere on the body.
Diagnosis And Causes Of Pyoderma Gangrenosum
A sample of the blood is collected and analyzed for:
- Any sign of infection.
- Kidney, liver and thyroid functioning.
- Rheumatoid factor.
Other tests:
- Swab: A cotton swab collects a sample of the fluid from the center of the lesion to assess for various types of infection.
- Biopsy: A skin biopsy removes a sample of the affected skin, to view under the microscope.
Causes: The exact cause of pyoderma gangrenosum is not yet well understood. However, the condition is habitually related to inflammatory conditions, like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis. If you have pyoderma gangrenosum, skin trauma, (puncture, abrasion or cut) it could trigger the formation of new sores.
Treatment Options & Home Remedies For Pyoderma Gangrenosum
Depending up on the size and depth of the ulcers, it could take several months for them to heal completely. You need to adhere to your physician’s instructions carefully with respect to wound care. This is of particular importance, given that, the oral drugs that are prescribed for pyoderma gangrenosum tend to suppress the immune system, and this greatly increases the risk of developing infections.
You need to commence treatment with corticosteroids for complete cure. High doses of prednisone are the backbone of pyoderma gangrenosum therapy. There are a few associated side effects – thinning bones, weight gain and increased risk of infection with corticosteroids; nonetheless, they need to be taken. Follow the guidelines well and ensure that you go for follow ups, so that your doctor can taper off the drugs gradually.
Alongside, you may start certain home remedies and natural treatments to accelerate cure and to boost your immune working.
- Garlic: Ensure that you have 5 to 7 flakes of garlic daily for about 6 months. Garlic is a potent infection fighter, thus will help ward off infections effectively. Also, it will expedite the healing of the ulcers and sores and decrease the healing time considerably. What’s more garlic perks up the working of your immune system, especially, when it has been afflicted by the prednisolone.
- Lime: Health care experts swear by limes and lemons for most skin ailments as well as conditions that develop due to a dysfunctioning immune system. Have 1 or 2 limes daily with warm water. The vitamin C in lime revs up your immune and defense mechanisms, battles infections and speeds up healing. You could also confer with your doctor and start a vitamin C supplement for the condition.