Angiomas: How can they be treated?

Angiomas refer to growths caused by significant and abnormal dilation of blood and lymphatic vessels. Angiomas take the form of bright red spots, with well defined contours. Angiomas can originate at the time of birth, during growth or in adulthood.

Angiomas: what are they?

Angiomas are a build-up of blood and lymphatic vessels that dilate significantly. The influx of blood into the agglomerated area causes a bright red or purple stain on the surface of the skin. The angioma creates a slight swelling due to blood vessel compression.

Angiomas can appear on different areas of the body: limbs, head, face and back. They can be found on the surface of the skin or, in rarer cases, on certain organs.

Angiomas often appear at birth or in the first few weeks. In the vast majority of cases, they fade naturally without treatment.

In other cases, they persist throughout life. These are commonly referred to as "wine spots".

Vascular tumours
Vascular malformations

What are the causes of angiomas?

Vascular tumours, also called hemangiomas are caused by a lack of oxygen to certain areas of the skin. This lack of air in the tissue leads to a disparate formation of blood vessels. Research has identified three main causes of the lack of oxygen: intrauterine lesions, high blood pressure in babies or during twin pregnancies. In the majority of cases, hemangiomas disappear at the age of 10 - 12 years. If this is not the case, the angioma persists and remains benign and healthy.

Vascular malformations are due to an abnormal formation of blood vessels. They can form a "wine stain". Even if they are a source of aesthetic concern, they are not harmful to the patient's health. In other cases, these malformations can appear on organs: the urethra or pharynx (throat) and they can alter the patient's natural functions (urinating, breathing). It should be noted that these cases are still rare.

What are the possible treatments for angioma?

Due to their red or purplish colour, as well as their random location on the body, angiomas can be a source of aesthetic concern. It is possible to treat angiomas with aesthetic medicine.

The most common treatment for angioma is a laser that causes a devascularization of the skin by coagulating the blood vessels and gradually removing the blemish.

Plexr ® and "plasma exeresis" technology, an energy rich in ions and electrons that vaporizes the surface layer of the epidermis without any pain can also be used.