Small, reddish, elevated highly, vascular (blood vessel) lesions appearing on the skin; often at the site of trauma.
Alternative Names
Lobular capillary hemangioma
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The exact cause of pyogenic granuloma is unknown, but they do appear frequently following injury. They are often on the hands and arms or face and because they bleed easily they can be very annoying. Pyogenic granulomas are common in children.
Signs and tests
Physical examination is usually sufficient for your health care provider to diagnose pyogenic granuloma. A skin biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Small pyogenic granulomas may go away suddenly. Larger lesions are treated with surgery, electrocautery , freezing, or lasers. The recurrence rate is high if the entire lesion is not destroyed.
Expectations (prognosis)
Most pyogenic granulomas can be removed, but scarring may appear after treatment. Recurrences at the same site are not infrequent.
Calling your health care provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have a skin lesion that bleeds easily or that changes appearance.