Topical β-blockers for pyogenic granulomas: A promising option for younger patients.

Background: Topical β-blockers, propranolol, and timolol were used for pyogenic granuloma (PG) treatment; however, their efficacies and safety profiles were not compared.

Aims: The aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of propranolol 1% and timolol 0.5% creams in the treatment of pyogenic granulomas.

Patients: The study included 30 PG patients. They were divided into three groups (10 patients each). Group I patients received propranolol 1% cream. Group II patients used timolol 0.5% l cream. Group III patients used placebo cream. Creams were applied twice daily for 2 months. Patients were followed up for 3 months to detect any recurrence.

Results: Complete resolution was reported in 6 patients of groups I and II, while none of the control patients reported complete resolution. Despite the absent change in lesions' size in 40% of β-blockers treated groups, they all reported decreased bleeding tendency. There was insignificant difference between the clinical responses between β-blockers groups. No recurrence was reported in any of the patients who achieved complete resolution after 3 months of follow-up. Younger patients respond better to β-blockers. Three patients were deteriorated on beta-blockers treatment.

Conclusion: β-blockers are a promising PG treatment option in cases where invasive modalities are not desirable especially in younger patients.