Introduction: Data on sclerotherapy in pyogenic granuloma (PG) is sparse, limited to a few case reports and series. We present a series of 16 patients of pyogenic granuloma treated with intralesional sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STDS). Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy, safety and recurrence rates of STDS sclerotherapy in the treatment of pyogenic granulomas.

Materials and methods: 16 patients of pyogenic granuloma (based on history and clinical features) of any age giving consent to be part of the trial were included. Intralesional STDS 1% was injected slowly using an insulin syringe until the lesion blanches and a maximum of 1ml was used in one sitting. Patients were followed up weekly and if the lesion does not show complete resolution, repeat injections would be given until a maximum of 3 sittings. A final assessment for relapses would be done at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks after treatment completion. 

Results: All 16 patients had complete clearance (100%) of the lesions with STDS 1% in 1-2 sitting. Side effects noted were pain (5), edema (4), purpuric staining (2), paresthesia (1), ulceration (2), necrosis (2), urticarial rash (1). All the side effects resolved completely, and two patients had to take analgesics and oral antibiotics. No bleeding episodes occurred in any patient after the first sitting itself. Further, none has shown recurrence over a follow-up period of 4 months. Eight patients developed mild atrophic scar as post-treatment sequelae. 

Conclusion: Sclerotherapy is a simple office procedure, but surprisingly literature on its use in PG, a very suitable indication for sclerotherapy by virtue of the pathology involved, is sparse.

Dr Sinu Rose Mathchan is a skilled dermatologist specializing in general and pediatric dermatology, as well as lasers and aesthetics. She completed her MBBS from the esteemed Government Medical College Trivandrum, Kerala and pursued MD in Dermatology from the prestigious ABVIMS and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, India. She also holds DNB, MRCP (SCE) UK and UEMS-EBDVD, the highest honor by European board of Dermatology and Venerology. With over 6 years of experience in the field, she possesses extensive knowledge and expertise in dermatology. She is also certified in aesthetic medicine from the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM). She has authored more than 50 research publications in various renowned national and international journals with over 200 citations and an h-index of 8.