Active or indolent cutaneous ulcers in cryoglobulinemia: How should they be treated?

Abstract

Cutaneuos involvement with ulcers occurs in 10% of patients with cryoglobulinemia. Ulcers of the lower limbs are often painful and compromise the quality of life. A careful evaluation of ulcers is therefore mandatory, as is the exclusion of pre-existing arterial disease. Treatment consists of antibiotic swabs, careful cleaning, and appropriate dressing. The best approach is to treat the cryoglobulinemia, but in non-responders colchicine or the low antigen content diet can be useful, both therapeutically and in preventing ulcer formation. Approaches with neuroelectrical stimulation are currently being investigated.