Keywords

antibiotics, antimicrobial dressings, cellulitis, colorectal surgery, necrotizing soft tissue infection, negative-pressure wound therapy, pyoderma gangrenosum, steroids, surgical debridement, tissue necrosis

 

Authors

  1. Flynn, Rod L. MD
  2. Chowdhury, Mashiul H. MD
  3. Rudolph, Joseph MSN, AGPCNP-BC, CWOCN
  4. Einstein, Stephanie MSN, AGPCNP-BC, CWOCN

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare inflammatory neutrophilic dermatosis believed to be mediated by an autoimmune reaction. Typical treatment includes autolytic debridement, management of exudate, protection from trauma, and steroid therapy. A diagnosis of exclusion, PG is frequently mistaken for a wound infection, but antibiotics do not alleviate the condition. Incision and debridement has been observed to cause further spread of the lesions because of pathergy resulting from the additional trauma. This case report describes a patient who was misdiagnosed with necrotic soft tissue infection that was actually postsurgical PG.