Establishing the efficacy and safety of the novel use of common salt for the treatment of pyogenic granuloma

Abstract

Recurrent bleeding episodes are often a cause of significant anxiety in patients with pyogenic granuloma (PG). The idea of using common salt for the treatment of PG arose from the need for a relatively safe and effective treatment because of the recurrent nature of the lesion. A prospective open-label uncontrolled study of 50 patients was conducted. All cases were treated with ordinary table salt from a commercially available package. White soft paraffin was first applied over the perilesional skin, then sufficient salt to cover the entire lesion was applied and the area was occluded with surgical adhesive tape. All patients were followed up for any complications or recurrence. Complete resolution of the lesion without any residual scar was seen in 100% of the cases, and 94% reported a decrease in the bleeding tendency of the lesion as an immediate response. The mean time to complete resolution was 14.77days. Recurrence was noted in one patient after 11months of resolution. Owing to the relative ease in application, lack of scarring and excellent response, we consider salt application to be an ideal treatment for PG lesions, especially in children and anxious patients reluctant to undergo any procedure.