Angiokeratoma may be classified as:
- Angiokeratoma of Mibelli consists of 1- to 5-mm red vascular papules, the surfaces of which become hyperkeratotic in the course of time.
- Angiokeratoma of Fordyce is a skin condition characterized by red to blue papules on the scrotum or vulva.
- Solitary angiokeratoma is a small, bluish-black, warty papule that occurs predominantly on the lower extremities.
- Verrucous vascular malformation is a malformation of dermal and subcutaneous capillaries and veins, a congenital vascular malformation, which, over time, a verrucous component appears.
Signs and symptoms
Presentation includes telangiectasia, acanthosis, and hyperkeratosis.
Presentation can be solitary or systemic.
Diagnosis
Due to the rarity of different types of vascular conditions, angiokeratomas may be misdiagnosed. A biopsy of the lesion can produce a more accurate diagnosis.
Complications
In some instances nodular angiokeratomas can produce necrotic tissue and valleys that can harbor fungal, bacterial and viral infections. Infections can include staphylococcus. If the lesion becomes painful, begins draining fluids or pus, or begins to smell, consult a physician. In these instance a doctor may recommend excision and grafting.
Treatment
Outpatient treatments such as interventional radiology, lasers, and physical therapy are employed to reduce the severity of the vascular lesions. However, in some cases lasers have caused a reaction in the tissue causing it to expand and become exposed to infection. Excision and grafting may be necessary to remove the lesion. Recovery time on such an operation ranges from 3 to 12 weeks depending on location of the graft, healing time and the possibility of complications.
