Pyogenic Granuloma in Children

Pyogenic granuloma, also known as lobular capillary hemangioma, is a common, benign, acquired, vascular neoplasm of the skin and mucous membranes characterized by an erythematous, dome-shaped papule that bleeds easily. This is a retrospective study of 128 children with pyogenic granuloma treated at the Johns Hopkins pediatric dermatology clinic between 1991 and 2001. This study was undertaken to analyze the clinical characteristics, natural history, treatment options, recurrence risk, and outcome of this entity in children. The majority of the patients had uncomplicated pyogenic granuloma and were treated with a single shave excision and electrocautery, with no recurrences and good cosmetic results.