Pathergy
Pathergy is a common cause of pyoderma gangrenosum, where the condition develops as a result of a skin injury or surgery. Among various surgical procedures, those involving the creation of stomas, which are openings in the abdomen used to divert waste, have a slightly higher incidence rate of triggering pyoderma gangrenosum. Particularly in the initial weeks after the surgery, the care required for the stoma can be quite traumatic for the surrounding skin. This specific type of pyoderma gangrenosum is referred to as peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum, where the ulcers form around the stoma.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pyoderma gangrenosum can be challenging as there is no specific test available. However, doctors rely on physical examinations, medical history reviews, and the process of elimination to diagnose the condition. Blood tests, bone marrow samples, and tissue biopsy are commonly used to narrow down the potential causes. It is important to differentiate pyoderma gangrenosum from other conditions such as Sweet syndrome, skin infections, cancer, and lupus. If skin sores show poor healing or fail to heal altogether, doctors should consider the possibility of pyoderma gangrenosum.