What should you know about an infected pyogenic granuloma?

A pyogenic granuloma is a small, fast-growing blood-vessel-rich lump that often looks bright red and can bleed after minor contact. Because its surface is delicate, crusting or fluid does not by itself prove infection. Increasing warmth, spreading redness, thick drainage, worsening tenderness, or fever raises more concern for infection. A clinician may check the lesion and surrounding skin, especially if it keeps bleeding, changes appearance, or has an uncertain diagnosis.

Apply gentle, steady pressure with clean gauze if it bleeds, then cover it with a non-stick dressing. Keep hands, clothing, and jewellery from rubbing the area. Do not pick the crust, cut the lump, or use caustic products. Arrange a dermatology review for persistent bleeding, recurrent irritation, or suspected infection. Removal may be discussed; curettage and cautery is one procedure used to treat some pyogenic granulomas.

Seek prompt care if bleeding does not settle with sustained pressure, the lesion becomes increasingly painful or hot, pus develops, or redness spreads into nearby skin. Urgent assessment is appropriate for fever, faintness, marked weakness, or a lesion near the eye that is rapidly swelling. A rapidly changing red lump should be examined rather than assumed to be an infected granuloma.

Ask whether the lesion looks like a pyogenic granuloma, whether infection is present, how to control bleeding, and whether curettage and cautery or another approach is suitable. Ask how to dress the site afterward and which changes should trigger an earlier review.