Causes and risk factors
Angioma serpiginosa is caused due to hyperplasia of the superficial blood vessels. Studies have shown that absence or mutation of gene PORCN is seen.
Clinical presentation:
The complaints usually start during childhood and increases over time. However, their growth stops as the individual reaches puberty.
The most common site of affection are the buttocks and lower extremities. In some cases, the breasts are also affected. Shoulder, back of hands, arms, and soles can also be affected. Appearance of reddish purple, pointed eruptions approximately 1 mm in size is seen. These occur in cluster. These eruptions are seen in linear pattern or in shape of a ring. No other complaints are seen. The eruptions can be compressed. As these are ecstatic dilatation of capillaries, on applying pressure, partial emptying with small tuft like formation is seen.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the physical examination carried out by the dermatologist. The doctor examines the lesion through a dermatoscope. Photo testing and patch testing are diagnostic.
Treatment:
As this condition is harmless, it does not require any medical intervention.
There is no effective conservative mode of treatment available for this condition. However, from a cosmetic point of view, laser surgery and electrolysis has been found to be effective in treating these lesions.
When to contact a doctor:
Recommendation of an expert in the field of dermatology is advised in cases if one has small reddish purple eruptions on body.
Prevention:
As the exact cause is still not clear, it is difficult to elicit the preventive measures.
System involved: Integumentary system, circulatory system.
Organ involved: Skin, tissues, capillaries.
