Definition of Pyogenic granuloma:

Pyogenic granulomas are small, reddish bumps on the skin that bleed easily due to an abnormally high number of blood vessels.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The exact cause of pyogenic granulomas is unknown, but they often appear following injury. They typically occur on the hands, arms, or face.

Pyogenic granulomas are common in children.

Symptoms:

• Small red vascular lump that bleeds easily
• Often occur at site of recent injury
• Seen most frequently on hands, arms, and face, but are often found in the mouths of pregnant women

Signs and tests:

Your health care provider can usually diagnose this condition by simply performing a physical exam. However, a skin biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment:

Small pyogenic granulomas may go away suddenly. Larger lesions are treated with surgery, electrocautery, freezing, or lasers.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most pyogenic granulomas can be removed, but scarring may appear after treatment. There is a good chance that the condition will return if the entire granuloma is not destroyed during treatment.

Complications:

• Bleeding from the lesion
• Reappearance of treated lesions

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.