Angiokeratomas

What are angiokeratomas?

Angiokeratomas are small dark red to purple raised spots. They may also have a rough scaly surface. They are composed of surface blood vessels (dilated capillaries). 

There are several types of angiokeratomas:

• sporadic angiokeratoma
• angiokeratoma of Fordyce
• angiokeratoma circumscriptum
• Fabry’s syndrome (angiokeratoma corporis diffusum)

What are the signs and symptoms of angiokeratomas?

Often unnoticed, they may become crusty and bleed if accidentally scratched or damaged, or a harmless clot may form in the lesion (thrombosis), changing the color to dark purple or black overnight.

Angiokeratomas are benign vascular lesions that histopathologically consist of dilated sub epidermal vessels and, in most cases, are associated with an epidermal reaction that includes hyperkeratosis.

They are seen clinically as solitary or multiple, red to black papules or plaques with a mamillated surface.

What are angiokeratomas care options?

Some are amenable to treatment with pulsed dye laser surgery.