GRANULOMA, PYOGENIC

General Information

DEFINITION--Skin lesions composed of small blood vessels. These are not contagious or cancerous.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Skin anywhere on the body, but most commonly on the face and shoulder.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED

• Children of both sexes (ages 5 to 15).
• Pregnant women.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--

Papules (small, raised bumps on the skin) with the following characteristics:

• Papules appear first as pinhead-sized but grow rapidly within weeks to full size (2mm to 20mm).
• Papules bleed easily when injured.
• Papules don't hurt or itch.

CAUSES--Unknown. Pyogenic refers to an infectious process, but these lesions are misnamed. Because they frequently appear in late childhood or pregnancy, hormonal changes may be a factor in their development.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Pregnancy.
• Recent injury (sometimes lesions develop at the injured site).

HOW TO PREVENT--Cannot be prevented at present.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Because pyogenic granuloma resembles melanoma (skin cancer), medical diagnosis is important.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Biopsy (See Glossary).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Lesions can be removed by surgical excision, electrocoagulation or cryosurgery.
• Self-care after surgery.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--None expected.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Spontaneous recovery, usually within 2 to 6 months. Recurrence is common.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

After surgery:

• Apply rubbing alcohol to the scab twice a day.
• Apply an adhesive bandage to the scab during the day. Leave it uncovered at night.
• Wash the wound as usual. Dry gently and completely after bathing or swimming.

MEDICATION

• For minor pain, you may use non-prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen or aspirin.
• If the scab cracks or oozes, apply a non-prescription antibiotic ointment several times a day.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions except to avoid trauma to lesion while it is healing.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

> You have symptoms of pyogenic granuloma.

• The wound bleeds after surgery, and bleeding cannot be stopped by applying pressure for 10 minutes.
• The wound shows signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain or increased tenderness.