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.