Pyogenic granuloma in children

What is a pyogenic granuloma in children?

A pyogenic granuloma (pyo·​gen·​ic - gran·​u·​lo·​ma) is a common skin growth in children. It is a small bright red, glistening bump that typically appears on the face, arms, or hands.

It looks like a hemangioma. It typically has a thin, white border where it meets the skin. They may bleed profusely, ulcerate or become crusty, but most are shiny, red, bead-like bumps.

These lesions are thought to arise at sites of skin trauma, but usually there is no history of any skin injury that the patient or parents can recall.

Pyogenic granulomas are a benign “nuisance.” They are not cancerous in any way. They do tend to bleed if the child bumps the lesion.

How is a pyogenic granuloma in children treated?

Pyogenic granuloma in children are usually removed with minor surgery and cautery and may leave a small scar (like a chicken pox scar). After excision, there is a chance that the pyogenic granuloma may regrow and need to be retreated.