Dermoscopic findings in pyogenic granuloma

Summary Background  To the best of our knowledge, no specific dermoscopic criteria have been described in the medical literature for the diagnosis of pyogenic granuloma. Objectives  To evaluate the morphological findings of pyogenic granuloma under dermoscopic observation. Methods  Dermoscopic examination (using the DermLite Foto; 3Gen, LLC, Dana Point, CA, U.S.A.) of 13 patients with pyogenic granulomas was performed to evaluate specific dermoscopic criteria. Results  The most frequently occurring dermoscopic features were found to be: reddish homogeneous area (92%), white collarette (85%), ‘white rail’ lines that intersect the lesion (31%) and ulceration (46%). The results of our study reveal that the absence of specific dermoscopic criteria for other skin tumours and a reddish homogeneous area surrounded by a white collarette are the most frequent dermoscopic pattern in pyogenic granulomas (85%). Conclusions  Dermoscopy is a useful tool for improving the recognition of pyogenic granuloma.