Pyoderma Gangrenosum Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

The chief symptom of pyoderma gangrenosum is painful skin ulcers. These ulcers may begin as small pustules, often as the site of a minor injury, but they can enlarge up to 20 centimeters (or 7.9 inches). The ulcers may have a characteristic purple, rolled or undermined edge.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. He or she will refer you to a dermatologist, who specializes in conditions of the skin. Pyoderma gangrenosum is diagnosed by its appearance and by ruling out other causes of skin ulceration. Tests may include the following:

• Swabs to test for microorganisms
• Biopsy —removal of a sample of tissue to rule out other causes of the ulcers
• Blood tests