Pyoderma gangrenosum in childhood.

A review of our records disclosed eight children with pyoderma gangrenosum. All had associated inflammatory bowel disease, and four had arthritis. In three patients the bowel disease was severe and required resection of portions of the affected bowel. The cutaneous lesions had a chronic course (average duration, 2 1/2 years), and systemic therapy was required in seven cases. Previously reported cases of pyoderma gangrenosum in children are reviewed, and the management of this skin disorder in childhood is discussed.