TOPICAL TREATMENT WITH 1-PERCENT SODIUM CROMOGLYCATE IN PYODERMA-GANGRENOSUM

Background: Pyoderma gangrenosum is an uncommon skin disease usually t reated with systemic drugs, most frequently corticosteroids. Isolated topical treatment is usually considered unsatisfactory. Objective: To evaluate the effect of topical 1% sodium cromoglycate solution on pyod erma gangrenosum in 5 patients 25-30 years of age. Methods: 5 patients , including 2 under systemic steroid treatment, hospitalized in our de partment from 1992 to 1993 because of pyoderma gangrenosum, were treat ed with topical 1% sodium cromoglycate solution. Systemic corticostero ids were further added in 2 patients whose initial improvement was ina dequate. Results: Initial improvement was noted in all 5 patients afte r 3-7 days of sodium cromoglycate treatment. Complete healing of the u lcers occurred within 5-8 weeks. Conclusions: Topical treatment with s odium cromoglycate can be effective as adjunctive or sole treatment in pyoderma gangrenosum.