Overview
Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum (also called bullous PG) is a rare and painful skin condition that belongs to a group of disorders called neutrophilic dermatoses. This means the immune system sends too many white blood cells called neutrophils to the skin, causing severe inflammation and damage. In the bullous form, the skin develops large fluid-filled blisters (called bullae) that can break open and turn into deep, painful ulcers (open sores). These sores most often appear on the arms, legs, and face, but can occur anywhere on the body. Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum is considered a subtype of pyoderma gangrenosum (PG). What makes the bullous type unique is that the blisters tend to be more superficial and spread quickly, and it is strongly linked to blood disorders such as myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. The skin can be extremely sensitive — even minor bumps or injuries can trigger new sores, a reaction called pathergy. Treatment focuses on calming the overactive immune system. Doctors often use corticosteroids like prednisone as a first step, along with other immune-suppressing medicines such as cyclosporine, dapsone, or colchicine. Wound care is also very important to prevent infection and help healing. Because this condition is often linked to an underlying blood disorder, treating that underlying disease is a key part of managing bullous PG.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Large fluid-filled blisters on the skinPainful open sores or ulcers that develop from broken blistersSores that spread quickly and have irregular, ragged edgesSkin that is very sensitive — minor injuries can trigger new soresRedness and swelling around the soresSores that may ooze or bleedFever and feeling generally unwell during flare-upsScarring after sores healSores most commonly on the arms, legs, and face
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum
No recent news articles for Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum.
Follow this condition to be notified when news becomes available.
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Do I need to be tested for an underlying blood disorder, and if so, which tests should I have?,What treatment do you recommend first, and how long before I should expect to see improvement?,How should I care for my wounds at home, and what dressings are safest to use?,What signs of infection or worsening should prompt me to go to the emergency room?,Are there clinical trials or newer treatments I should know about?,How often will I need blood tests to monitor my medications?,Will treating an underlying blood disorder help my skin condition improve?
Common questions about Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum
What is Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum?
Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum (also called bullous PG) is a rare and painful skin condition that belongs to a group of disorders called neutrophilic dermatoses. This means the immune system sends too many white blood cells called neutrophils to the skin, causing severe inflammation and damage. In the bullous form, the skin develops large fluid-filled blisters (called bullae) that can break open and turn into deep, painful ulcers (open sores). These sores most often appear on the arms, legs, and face, but can occur anywhere on the body. Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum is considered a subtype of py
How is Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum inherited?
Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum typically begin?
Typical onset of Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.