Is sclerotherapy useful for cherry angiomas?

BACKGROUND: Sclerotherapy is a safe, effective, and easily available treatment modality, its role in cherry hemangioma is still unexplored.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims at establishing the role and efficacy of sclerotherapy in treating cherry angiomas and its dermatological complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 20 patients with 100 lesions of cherry hemangiomas of size >0.2 mm. Intralesional injection of 0.1 mL of 3% sodium tetradecyl sulfate was used. Scarring, if any, was evaluated using "The Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale." Patients were called for weekly sessions for a maximum of 4 weeks.

RESULTS: Of 100 lesions treated, 42 lesions responded with a single dose of sclerosant, 44 lesions required a second setting. Remaining lesions were injected for 3 weeks, of which 14 lesions did not remit completely and required a fourth sitting. Depending on response to sclerotherapy, patients were divided into 2 groups (Group A and Group B). On comparing these groups, no statistically significant (χ test) difference in the rate of healing was observed.

CONCLUSION: Sclerotherapy with sodium tetradecyl sulfate 3% is effective in the treatment of cherry hemangiomas. It offers an economical alternative to other available conventional methods.