Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare, inflammatory skin disease where painful pustules or nodules become ulcers that progressively grow. Pyoderma gangrenosum is not infectious.

Treatments may include corticosteroids, ciclosporin, infliximab, or canakinumab. The disease was identified in 1930. It affects approximately 1 person in 100,000 in the population. Though it can affect people of any age, it mostly affects people in their 40s and 50s.

There are two main types of pyoderma gangrenosum:

1. the 'typical' ulcerative form, which occurs in the legs

2. an 'atypical' form that is more superficial and occurs in the hands and other parts of the body

Other variations are:

• Peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum comprises 15% of all cases of pyoderma
• Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum
• Pustular pyoderma gangrenosum
• Vegetative pyoderma gangrenosum

The following are conditions commonly associated with pyoderma gangrenosum:

    Inflammatory bowel disease:

• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn's disease

    Arthritides:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Seronegative arthritis

    Hematological disease:

• Myelocytic leukemia
• Hairy cell leukemia
• Myelofibrosis
• Myeloid metaplasia
• Monoclonal gammopathy

    Autoinflammatory disease:

• Pyogenic sterile arthritis, and acne syndrome (PAPA syndrome)

The Editorial panel of Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology Research is overwhelmed by the response and eagerness of the academic and research contributors to publish with the journal and take part in the 10 year-long celebrations. During this year, we look forward to taking some initiatives that would encourage and reward our prospective audience which include dermatologists, clinicians, research scientists, decision-makers and a range of professionals in the healthcare community.

Kathy Andrews
Journal Manager
Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology Research
Email: derma@peerreviewedjournals.com