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 (χ2 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]