Pyoderma gangrenosum of the breasts precipitated by breast surgery.

Pyoderma gangrenosum may occur in unusual sites and not be readily recognized. Delays in diagnosis and appropriate treatment may result in extensive ulcerations and scarring. We present two patients with pyoderma gangrenosum involving the breasts after breast operation.

New biologic therapies for psoriatic disease.

Psoriasis is a common cutaneous disease that can have a profound effect on an individual's life. New biologic drugs--proteins that are synthesized using recombinant DNA technology to mimic naturally occurring molecules and that selectively target the immune system--have changed the paradigm for treating this disease. We review 4 biologic drugs that are either currently FDA approved or in phase 3 studies: Alefacept (Amevive) and efalizumab (Raptiva), which are T-cell modulators; etanercept (Enbrel), a soluble TNF receptor; and infliximab (Remicade), an anti-TNF monoclonal antibody.