Malignant pyoderma

Abstract

Malignant pyoderma is a rare inflammatory pyoderma of unknown cause with characteristic destructive and necrotizing ulcers limited to the face, neck, and upper trunk. The typical lesions are small, purulent, periauricular ulcers. Enlargement and coalescence result in extensive lesions that may ultimately destroy portions of the external ear. The histopathologic findings are acute and chronic inflammation with necrosis. Treatment consists of long-term systemic corticosteroids. We present two new cases and alert otolaryngologists to the seriousness of this disease.