Treatment of pyogenic granulomas with the 585 nm pulsed dye laser

Background: Current therapeutic alternatives for pyogenic granulomas include surgical excision, electrodesiccation and curettage, cryotherapy, and ablation with CO2 or continuous-wave vascular lasers. Objective: Our purpose was to investigate the use of the 585 nm flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser (585 nm PDL) for the treatment of pyogenic granulomas in terms of efficacy, advantages in technique, and side effects. Methods: Eighteen patients with symptomatic pyogenic granulomas in a variety of locations were treated with the 585 nm PDL and examined. Results: Sixteen of 18 treated patients demonstrated both symptomatic and clinical clearing of the lesions with excellent cosmetic results after treatment. The two patients who dropped out after one to two 585 nm PDL treatments were eventually treated successfully with electrodesiccation and curettage. No postoperative complications and no persistent pigmentary changes or scarring were observed. The procedure required no anesthesia, and postoperative care was limited to the application of a topical antibiotic ointment. Conclusion: Our experience suggests that treatment of pyogenic granulomas with the 585 nm PDL is a safe, effective, and reasonable alternative to conventional therapy.