Pyogenic granuloma, also known as lobular capillary hemangioma, is a common skin disorder that affects people of all ages. It grows rapidly and is characterized by small, red lumps that may ooze and have the appearance of raw ground meat. The areas where it can form most easily are the head, neck, upper torso, hands and feet. Most of these growths are benign and often develop in areas that have recently suffered a lesion. Granuloma can be treated by removing it surgically or by applying medication to the lesion.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Apply Topical Medicines
Step 1. Get a prescription
In some cases, your doctor may advise you to let the granuloma heal on its own; at other times, he may instead prescribe topical medications to apply to the affected area. The main medicines are:
- Corticosteroid ointments for ocular granulomas;
- Timolol, a gel often used on children and for ocular granulomas;
- Imiquimod, which stimulates the immune system to release cytokines;
- Silver nitrate, which can be applied by the doctor.
Step 2. Wash the affected area
Thoroughly clean the skin you need to treat, in order to eliminate germs and bacteria present on the granuloma or the surrounding area; wash it gently using a mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water. It is normal for pyogenic granuloma to bleed a little and you don't need to worry about that.
- You can use an antiseptic solution to cleanse the skin if you wish, although soap and water are equally effective.
- Pat the surrounding skin dry to avoid excessive bleeding.
Step 3. Apply a layer of cream
If your doctor has prescribed imiquimod, a corticosteroid ointment, or timolol, gently smear the drug on the affected area. repeat the procedure for as many times as your doctor tells you to.
- Make sure you apply minimal pressure when rubbing the medicine, so that any bleeding is minimized as much as possible.
- Follow the doctor's instructions regarding the application, who also establishes the right dosage; inform them if you experience any adverse reactions to the active substance.
Step 4. Cover the granuloma with a non-adhesive bandage
Since affected skin tends to bleed easily, it is important to keep it clean, dry and protected. A good way to ensure this is to cover it with a sterile non-adhesive bandage until it stops bleeding, which can take 1 to 2 days or even longer.
- Secure the bandage with medical tape, applying it to skin that is not affected by the granuloma.
- Ask the doctor how long you will need to keep the growth covered.
- Change the bandage at least once every two days or when it gets dirty this is an important step, as dirty bandages can cause secondary infections.
Step 5. Avoid pinching the granuloma
You may be tempted to tease it or remove the scabs that form on the surface; however, know that this is a behavior to be avoided absolutely, because you run the risk of spreading bacteria or injuring the skin that is healing. Let topical treatments do their work and consult your doctor if you notice any problems arise.
Step 6. Undergo a treatment with silver nitrate
Your doctor may choose this treatment to treat granuloma, which is a chemical cauterization (burn) of the growth. It is an antiseptic solution that helps manage bleeding and effectively reduce pyogenic granuloma.
Look out for any serious reactions to this treatment, such as black scabs and skin ulcers. Get examined as soon as possible to avoid any infections or further injuries
Method 2 of 3: Surgical Treatments
Step 1. Remove and prevent new granuloma formations with curettage
Surgical removal is one of the main treatments for this ailment. Many doctors remove it through curettage and cauterization procedures. The surgery consists of scraping the growth with an instrument called a curette and cauterizing the surrounding blood vessels to reduce the chances of recurrence; the operation also helps to stop bleeding. At the end of the procedure you should:
- Keep the wound dry for 48 hours;
- Change the dressing every day;
- Apply pressure by securing a bandage and medical tape to the site to prevent bleeding;
- Check for signs of infection, including severe redness, swelling, severe pain, fever, and discharge from the wound.
Step 2. Consider cryotherapy
Your doctor may recommend this procedure, especially if the lesion is small. in practice, the granuloma is frozen with liquid nitrogen. The low temperature can reduce the growth of cells responsible for the neoformation and inflammation through vasoconstriction, which is the narrowing of blood vessels.
Monitor the wound after treatment and follow your doctor's instructions. The lesion caused by cryotherapy usually heals in 7-14 days, while the pain usually subsides after three days
Step 3. Undergo a surgical excision
If the granuloma is large or recurrent, your doctor may recommend this procedure. This is the most successful treatment and involves removing the granuloma and associated blood vessels to reduce the risk of it forming again. The surgeon may also send a sample to the laboratory to rule out that it is a malignant growth.
The surgeon marks the site of the excision with a surgical marker that does not stain the skin; at this point, anesthetize the site to reduce any discomfort you may experience, then remove the granuloma with a scalpel and / or sharp scissors. You may smell a bit of a burning smell if the surgeon decides to cauterize the blood vessels to stop the bleeding, but it's not painful; if necessary, you can apply sutures to the wound
Step 4. Consider laser surgery
Some doctors recommend this procedure to remove the granuloma, burn its roots, or to shrink smaller granulomas. Consider this treatment carefully before undergoing it, as it is not necessarily more effective than excision in removing or preventing granuloma.
Talk to your doctor about the benefits of laser surgery over surgical incisions. Ask as many questions as you think about the procedure, the healing process, treatment, and the rate of relapses
Method 3 of 3: Caring for the Surgical Cut
Step 1. Band the surgery site
Your surgeon or doctor may cover the area that is being removed from the granuloma to protect the wound from infection and allow the bandage to absorb any leaking blood and fluid.
- Put on a new bandage by applying light pressure if you notice blood leaking. however, if the bleeding is severe, you should contact your doctor.
- Wear the bandage for at least one day after surgery; keep the wound dry as much as possible to help it heal and avoid bacterial overgrowth. Don't shower for at least a day, unless your doctor tells you it's safe.
Step 2. Change the bandage regularly
Replace it the day after surgery or even earlier if needed. The bandage keeps the skin subjected to the incision dry and clean, also minimizing the risk of infections or disfiguring scars.
- Apply a bandage that allows the skin to breathe, as the circulation of air helps the healing process. You can find this type of bandages in the main pharmacies and supermarkets; However, your doctor can recommend suitable dressings for the type of wound.
- Change the dressing until the wound is no longer open or as directed. you may only need to keep it for one day.
Step 3. Wash your hands
This is an important step whenever you touch the wound site or change the dressing to reduce the risk of infection or scarring.
Wash them with warm water and a soap of your choice; let the foam form and scrub it thoroughly for at least 20 seconds
Step 4. Clean the wound
It is important that the surgical site remains clean to aid the healing process and prevent infections. Wash the area every day with a mild cleanser or soap that kills bacteria on the skin.
- Use the same soap and water that you would use to wash your hands and do not choose perfumed products to avoid irritation; when finished, rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Dab some hydrogen peroxide if your doctor recommended it or if you see some redness that could indicate an infection.
- Pat the wound dry before covering it.
Step 5. Take some pain relievers
Any type of surgical removal can cause mild pain or tenderness at the surgery site. Take over-the-counter pain relievers to relieve discomfort and reduce swelling. Ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or acetaminophen help reduce discomfort, but ibuprofen also helps minimize swelling. If the pain is stronger, get a prescription for stronger medications.
