Pyoderma gangrenosum treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy

The management of pyoderma gangrenosum often requires systemic drug therapy, such as corticosteroids, sulfones, or immunosuppressants, either alone or in combination. Inconsistent response to therapy is a source of frustration to both patient and physician. Several reports in the literature document the successful treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In our patient, a woman with severe rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus, hyperbaric oxygen therapy not only promoted healing of pyoderma gangrenosum but permitted reduction of systemic corticosteroids.