Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

Which medication is commonly used in the treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum?

1. Topical antibiotics

2. Systemic/topical steroids

3. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

4. Antifungal agents

The correct answer is: Systemic/topical steroids

The treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum often involves the use of systemic or topical steroids, as they play a critical role in managing this condition. Pyoderma gangrenosum is a neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by painful ulcers that can significantly impact patients' quality of life. Systemic steroids, such as prednisone, are potent anti-inflammatory agents that help to suppress the immune response responsible for the inflammatory skin lesions associated with pyoderma gangrenosum. Topical steroids may also be effective in managing smaller, localized lesions. The mechanism by which steroids work involves reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and modulating immune responses, making them a cornerstone in the treatment protocol for patients with this condition. In contrast, while topical antibiotics might be utilized to prevent secondary infections in open wounds, they do not address the underlying inflammatory process of pyoderma gangrenosum. Similarly, NSAIDs primarily serve as pain relievers and anti-inflammatories but do not exhibit sufficient efficacy in managing the specific type of inflammation present in pyoderma gangrenosum. Antifungal agents are irrelevant in this context, as the condition is not caused by a fungal infection. Therefore, the use of systemic or topical steroids is the most appropriate