Pyogenic Granuloma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Pyogenic Granuloma?
A dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin problems, usually treats a pyogenic granuloma, which is a small red skin bump. A surgeon may also remove one when needed. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a pyogenic granuloma?
A pyogenic granuloma is a small, raised, red bump on the skin. It has a smooth surface and may be moist. It is also called a lobular capillary hemangioma.
It is a harmless overgrowth of many tiny blood vessels. It is benign, which means it is not cancer. Despite its name, it is not caused by an infection. It is also not contagious, so it cannot spread to another person.
Symptoms
The main sign is a red lump on the skin that bleeds easily. Other common features include:
- A bright red color. Later it may turn a darker shade.
- A shiny, moist surface that may become crusty after it bleeds.
- A bumpy surface like a raspberry, or a narrow base like a stalk.
- Quick growth over weeks to months. After that it stops growing, and it is rarely bigger than 1 centimeter.
- Usually just one bump, although there can be more than one.
The bump oozes and bleeds easily after minor knocks. It is usually not painful.
Causes and who gets it
The exact cause is unknown. Most come up for no obvious reason. Some appear after minor skin damage, such as a cut that does not heal well or a prick from a thorn. They often show up on the hands, arms, or face.
They can also start after a person begins certain medicines, such as retinoids. Retinoids are medicines that are sometimes used to treat acne.
They can happen at any age, but they are most common in children and young adults. They are also more common in pregnancy. They can also form in the mouth, most often on the gums, especially in pregnant women. Other common spots are the fingers, face, and scalp. They do not seem to run in families.
How doctors diagnose it
Most pyogenic granulomas can be recognized by how they look. A doctor may also use a dermatoscope, which is a type of magnifying glass for the skin. A skin biopsy may also be done to confirm the diagnosis and to check for skin cancer. If the doctor is unsure, the bump may be removed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area, and sent to a laboratory.
Treatment
Small pyogenic granulomas may go away without treatment. A few lose their color and shrivel with time. Most are such a nuisance that they need treatment before that happens.
The usual treatment is to scrape the bump off with a sharp, spoon-shaped tool called a curette. The skin is first made numb with a shot of local anesthetic. The bleeding spot left behind is then sealed with heat.
Other options include shaving or cutting out the bump, heat treatment, freezing, and lasers. Freezing with liquid nitrogen can get rid of the bump. However, it does not give a sample that the laboratory can check.
A gel that contains timolol, or a steroid cream, has also been used successfully. The evidence is still limited, but it is growing. This may be especially useful in children because it avoids more invasive procedures. Creams may not work as well as surgery.
Most pyogenic granulomas can be removed. A scar may remain after treatment. The bump can come back, with a risk of up to 15%. The chance is high if the whole bump is not removed or destroyed. In those cases, the area is sometimes cut out and the wound closed with stitches.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have a skin bump that bleeds easily or changes how it looks. Always see a doctor about a skin lump that is growing quickly or bleeding.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if bleeding will not stop.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can look at a new skin bump and check whether it needs a skin specialist. They can also arrange a referral and follow up if the bump comes back.
Common questions
Is a pyogenic granuloma cancer?
No, a pyogenic granuloma is not cancer. It carries no risk of cancer. A doctor may still do a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and check for skin cancer.
Is a pyogenic granuloma caused by an infection?
No, a pyogenic granuloma is not caused by an infection, despite its name. It is also not contagious. It is an overgrowth of tiny blood vessels.
Can a pyogenic granuloma go away on its own?
Sometimes. Small ones may go away without treatment, and a few lose their color and shrivel with time. Most are such a nuisance that they need to be treated before that happens.
Why does a pyogenic granuloma bleed so easily?
It bleeds easily because it has a high number of blood vessels. Minor knocks can make it ooze or bleed. See a doctor if it bleeds easily.
Can a pyogenic granuloma come back after treatment?
Yes, it can come back. The risk is up to 15%. The chance is high if the whole bump was not removed or destroyed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Pyogenic granuloma
- British Association of Dermatologists - Pyogenic granulomas patient leaflet
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
