A pyogenic granuloma treated with topical timolol

Summary Pyogenic granulomas are benign vascular tumours usually surgically treated by excision or curettage. The only topical therapy reported to date is imiquimod 5% cream but it produces a marked inflammatory response with discomfort generally worse than simple surgical excision or curettage. Here we report the use of timolol 0·5% ophthalmic gel used successfully to treat a teenager with a clinically classical pyogenic granuloma on the finger. There were no reported adverse effects and the lesion completely resolved. It has not recurred after 7 months. Timolol may be an effective and preferable alternative treatment to surgery for a classical small pyogenic granuloma, particularly in children and young people.