Topical treatment with 1% sodium cromoglycate in pyoderma gangrenosum.

BACKGROUND

Pyoderma gangrenosum is an uncommon skin disease usually treated 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 pyoderma gangrenosum in 5 patients 25-30 years of age.

METHODS

5 patients, including 2 under systemic steroid treatment, hospitalized in our department from 1992 to 1993 because of pyoderma gangrenosum, were treated with topical 1% sodium cromoglycate solution. Systemic corticosteroids were further added in 2 patients whose initial improvement was inadequate.

RESULTS

Initial improvement was noted in all 5 patients after 3-7 days of sodium cromoglycate treatment. Complete healing of the ulcers occurred within 5-8 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical treatment with sodium cromoglycate can be effective as adjunctive or sole treatment in pyoderma gangrenosum.