Angiomas

Angiomas are commonly referred to as vascular changes visible on the skin, which are the result of abnormalities in the blood system. Angiomas most often develop in children, but sometimes they also appear on the skin of adults. The growth of angioma usually stops spontaneously after some time.

Most angiomas are benign neoplastic lesions that pose no threat to the Patient’s health or life. However, there are also malignant forms of angiomas that require medical consultation and treatment.

Angiomas usually do not cause pain, but they can be a big aesthetic problem. In such a situation it is worth considering laser removal of the angioma in a dermatologist’s office.

Where angiomas appear?

The occurrence of angiomas on the skin depends on the type of angioma. Angiomas can develop on the face, neck, scalp, trunk, hands, fingers, mouth, oral mucosa, and less commonly on other parts of the body.

What angiomas look like?

Different types of cutaneous angiomas vary in appearance. They most often take the form of a flat spot or a red or maroon-colored lump protruding above the skin’s surface.

Types of angiomas

There are many types of angiomas, the most common of which include:

1. Infantile hemangioma

Angiomas that appear soon after birth are benign vascular lesions that stop growing on their own over time. Vascular nevus most often appear on the face, but they can also develop on any area of the skin. They usually enlarge fairly quickly during the first 3 months of a child’s life and begin to fade after age 10. Sometimes infantile hemangioma remains on the skin well into adulthood.

Infantile hemangioma include:

• Strawberry-shaped birthmark – a soft, convex, vascular swelling on the skin with a bright red surface resembling a strawberry. It can appear on any area of the skin, but is most commonly (60%) located on the face and neck.
• Salmon patch – a flat, dull red spot that can occur on the eyelids, back of nose, upper lip, and the nape of neck.
• Red wine stain – a pink or red, flat spot that develops on the face and neck, less commonly on the trunk and extremities. Later in life, red wine stains may become raised or lumpy and take on a deeper red or purple color. Raised areas may bleed easily if scratched.
   

1. Stellate angioma

Stellate angioma takes the form of multiple, small, red nodules with radially spreading capillaries. It is most commonly found on the face, upper chest, back and arms. In children, it is also common on the back of hands. Stellate angioma usually affects women and children, very rarely men. It does not cause pain and is not dangerous to health. It can be a big aesthetic problem and cause psychological discomfort.

1. Angiogranuloma

Angiogranuloma appears on the face, hands, fingers, and oral mucosa. It takes the form of a blue-red, single nodule of irregular surface with a tendency to bleeding and ulceration. It is characterized by rapid growth. Angiogranuloma affects both adults and children, often appears in pregnant women. It does not cause pain, but can be an aesthetic problem.

1. Cherry angioma

Cherry angioma can develop on any part of the body, but most commonly appears on the scalp, face, lips and trunk. It develops on the skin as a firm lump that is red, blue or purple in color. It most often appears in older people.

Do angiomas need to be treated?

Angiomas do not pose a health risk to the Patient and usually do not cause pain. Therefore, in most cases, treatment of angiomas is not necessary. Dermatological treatment is recommended when an angioma causes significant physical (bleeding, ulceration) and psychological (unaesthetic appearance of the angioma, e.g. on the face or neck) discomfort to the Patient.

Angioma treatment in the Zakrzewscy Clinic of Aesthetic Medicine and Dermatology

At the clinic, we offer our Patients a comprehensive angioma treatment program that includes:

1. Medical consultation to diagnose the lesion and select an appropriate treatment method.
2. Effective treatment of angiomas.
3. Monitor the progress of therapy and care for the Patient during treatment.

For laser skin angioma removal, we use a technologically advanced V laser (KPT 532 and Nd Yag), which guarantees safe and complete removal of the skin lesion in just a few sessions.

Advantages of using V laser to treat angiomas:

• effects are visible after the first treatment
• short recovery time and minimal risk of complications due to continuous cooling, precision and selectivity of laser action
• procedure is almost painless and does not require anesthesia
• a large area of skin can be treated in a short period of time by adjusting the area covered by the laser beam
• treatment is safe because the laser beam reaches the lesion precisely without heating the surrounding tissues

Course of angioma treatment in the Zakrzewscy Clinic

Before laser angioma removal, the Patient wears protective goggles. The physician then covers the treatment area with a special gel that conducts cooling. This makes the treatment comfortable and safe for the Patient. The physician applies the device head to the skin lesion, and the laser beam perfectly reaches the affected area. After irradiation is completed, a soothing preparation is applied to the treated area. Immediately after the treatment the Patient can return to daily activities. The treatment of angiomas lasts from several to 30 minutes depending on the extent of skin lesion.

Effects of treatment of angiomas with laser

After V laser treatments, the unsightly angioma is removed and the skin is smoothed.

Recovery after laser treatment of angioma

After a laser treatment, you may experience short-term side effects such as:

• swelling in the treated area
• small scabs that disappear after 5-7 days.

Contraindications for laser treatment of angioma

Do not perform laser angioma removal in the following cases:

• pregnancy
• lactation
• skin infections at the site of treatment
• herpes
• active cancer
• epilepsy
• xanthelasma
• psoriasis, vitiligo
• tendency to scarring
• susceptibility to discoloration
• taking medications such as retinoids, psychotropic drugs, antibiotics.

After the angioma removal procedure, it is advisable to take appropriate skin care in the treated area, which will be discussed in detail by the physician performing the procedure.

If you are suffering from angioma or you are concerned about the condition of your skin and would like to obtain a professional consultation and treatment, feel free to contact our clinic.

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