Pyogenic granulomas, also known as lobular capillary hemangiomas, are a common skin condition that affects people of all ages, although they are most common in children and young adults. This condition grows quickly, and is characterized by the appearance of red, slimy bumps that look like hamburger meat. The areas most commonly affected are the head, neck, upper body, hands and feet. Most growths are quite benign and are often found in areas that have recently been injured. You can treat pyogenic granulomas by surgically removing them or applying medication to the wound, as this condition rarely resolves on its own.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Administering Topical Medication for Pyogenic Granuloma
Step 1. Get a prescription from your doctor
In some cases, your doctor may suggest letting the pyogenic granuloma heal on its own. You can also get a prescription for a topical medication to use on granulomas. Two topical medications that doctors may prescribe are:
- Timolol, a gel often used in children and for granulomas.
- Imiquimod, which stimulates the immune system to release cytokinesis.
- Silver nitrate, which can be given by a doctor
Step 2. Wash the injured area
Clean the area to be treated to remove any bacteria on the site or the surrounding skin. Wash gently with mild, unscented soap and warm water. Pyogenic ganulomas usually bleed easily and you have nothing to fear. However, if you are caring for someone else, make sure you wear gloves to protect yourself from exposure to the patient's blood.
- Consider using an antiseptic solution to clean the area, if you prefer. otherwise, disinfecting soap and water will suffice.
- Dry the skin around the granuloma by patting it to prevent excessive bleeding.
Step 3. Apply topical treatment to the granuloma
If your doctor has prescribed imiquimod or timolol, apply gentle care to the injured area. Repeat as many times as needed according to the doctor's prescription.
- Make sure you apply as little pressure as possible while patting the medicine on the granuloma. This can minimize the bleeding that can occur.
- Follow the medication instructions from the doctor. Tell your doctor if you have a reaction to the medicines you are taking.
Step 4. Cover the granuloma with nonadhesive gauze
Because the skin affected by granulomas tends to bleed easily, it is important to keep it clean, dry, and protected. To do this, keep the granuloma covered with a sterile, non-adhesive bandage until the bleeding stops (usually for 1-2 days or more).
- Hold the bandage with medical tape. Glue it on the area of the bandage that is not affected by the granuloma.
- Ask the doctor how long the granuloma will need to be covered.
- Change the dressing at least once a day or when it gets dirty. This is important because dirty bandages can cause side infections.
Step 5. Do not touch the granuloma
You may be tempted to tamper with or pop the granuloma. This should be avoided as it can spread bacteria or aggravate healing skin. Allow the topical treatment of the granuloma to finish and consult a doctor if you become aware of a potential problem.
Step 6. Get a silver nitrate treatment
Your doctor may suggest administering silver nitrate to the granuloma. This substance will chemically burn your granuloma. This antiseptic solution can help bleeding and reduce pyogenic granuloma effectively.
Watch for severe reactions to silver nitrate treatments, such as black scabs and skin ulcers. See a doctor as soon as possible to prevent further infection or injury
Method 2 of 3: Seeking Surgical Treatment
Step 1. Remove and prevent granulomas with curettage (curretage)
Surgical solutions are the most common granuloma treatment, because the recurrence rate with surgery is very low. Many doctors remove granulomas by curettage and catheterization. The surgery is performed by scraping the granuloma using an instrument called a curette and catheterizing the surrounding blood vessels to minimize the chance of regrowth. This method also prevents bleeding. After the procedure is executed, you must:
- Keeps wound dry for 48 hours.
- Change dressing every day.
- Apply pressure by securing a bandage with a bandage over the injured area to prevent bleeding.
- Watch for signs of infection, including severe redness, swelling, severe pain, fever, and discharge from the wound.
Step 2. Consider cryotherapy
Your doctor may also suggest cryotherapy, especially for small wounds. This treatment involves freezing the granuloma using liquid nitrogen. The low temperature of this treatment can reduce cell growth and inflammation through vasoconstriction, which narrows blood vessels.
Monitor your wound after treatment and follow your doctor's instructions. Granulomas from cryotherapy usually heal in 7–14 days. The pain lasted for three days
Step 3. Perform surgical excision
If you have large, recurring granulomas, your doctor may recommend excision. This treatment has the highest cure rate. This procedure is performed by removing the granuloma and its associated blood vessels to reduce the risk of the granuloma growing back. The doctor may also send a small sample to a laboratory to check for possible malignancies.
Let the doctor mark the excision area with a surgical marker (which will not stain the skin). This marker will numb the area to reduce any discomfort. After this, the doctor will remove the granuloma with a scalpel and/or sharp scissors. You'll smell a burning smell if your doctor uses a catheter to stop the bleeding, but it won't do you any harm. If needed, you will get stitches in the excision incision area
Step 4. Consider laser surgery
Some doctors may suggest laser surgery to remove the wound and burn its base or shrink small granulomas. Consider this procedure carefully, as it is not necessarily better at removing or preventing pyogenic granulomas than surgical excision.
Talk to your doctor about the benefits of laser surgery over surgical excision for your granuloma. Ask any questions you have about the procedure, including cure, treatment, and recurrence
Method 3 of 3: Treating the Operated Area
Step 1. Bandage the operated area
The doctor or surgeon may ask you to protect the area where the granuloma was removed to help protect the wound from infection and absorb blood and fluid seepage.
- Put on a new shield with light pressure if it bleeds. If the bleeding is profuse, call your doctor.
- Wear a bandage at least once a day after the medical professional removes the granuloma. Keep your wound as dry as possible to help it heal and protect it from bacteria.
Step 2. Change the bandage regularly
Change the bandage the day after the procedure, or as soon as possible, if needed. The bandage keeps the area clean and dry and minimizes the risk of infection and recurrence.
- Use a bandage that allows the skin to breathe. Airflow can promote healing. You can get these bandages at pharmacies and grocery stores. The doctor may also apply a bandage to the wound.
- Change the bandage until you don't see the wound or as directed by your doctor. You may only need to bandage the area for a day.
Step 3. Wash your hands
It is important to wash your hands before touching the injured area or changing bandages to reduce the risk of infection or scarring.
Wash with warm water and soap of your choice. Foam your hands for at least 20 seconds
Step 4. Clean your wound
Keeping the surgical area clean is essential for healing and infection prevention. Clean the area daily with a mild cleanser or soap to kill bacteria on your skin.
- Use the same soap and water to clean the surgical area. Stay away from cleansers that contain fragrances to prevent irritation. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Pat on hydrogen peroxide if your doctor tells you to or if you have redness, which could be an infection.
- Pat the wound dry before covering it with a shield.
Step 5. Use a pain reliever
All types of surgical removal can cause moderate pain or sensitivity to pain in the surgical area. Use commercial pain relievers to reduce discomfort and swelling. Ibuprofen, naproxen sodium or acetaminophen may relieve discomfort. Ibuprofen can also reduce swelling. Ask for a prescription pain reliever if you have severe pain.
