Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for pyoderma gangrenosum.

Abstract

Hyperbaric oxygen administered systemically has been advocated in the treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum. Owing to the serious potential risks of oxygen toxicity with systemic administration, we have devised a simplified technique for the administration of hyperbaric oxygen topically, and have used this method successfully to treat two patients with pyoderma gangrenosum, in whom the underlying etiology was not apparent, and specific therapy, therefore, not possible. The abundant formation of granulation tissue and the ability of the hyperbaric oxygen to arrest further extension of the ulceration suggests that this form of therapy might become the treatment of choice for all ulcers of the pyoderma gangrenosum type.