Venous Lake

Venous lake refers to a bluish soft macule or papule caused by vascular dilation, which is usually found on the lower lip. The lesion can also be found on earlobe(s), face, neck, and the rest of the upper body.

Venous lake usually occurs in middle-aged or older males and females. The causes for this condition remain unknown.

Venous lake appears as a soft and squishable macule or papule. The colour varies from blue to purple. The diameter of the lesion is between 0.2 and 1 cm.

Diagnosis

The condition has very unique visible features and can be easily diagnosed through clinical assessment. The blue-purple colour of the lesion disappears upon compression, as blood is cleared from the dilated venule. This phenomenon can be observed with a glass slide or a dermatoscope's lens. Under a dermatoscope, venous lake is seen as a structureless blue-purple lesion.

Treatment

Venous lake is considered to be harmless and does not require serious medical intervention. However, the lesion can be removed by various methods, such as laser, electrosurgery, and cryosurgery. A temporary scab will appear, which can further develop into a scar.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatment refers to a non-ablative and non-invasive treatment method that uses monochromatic coherent light to reduce the visibility of, or completely remove, a venous lake.

Electrosurgery

Electrosurgery refers to the method of using alternating electric current at different voltages in order to generate heat that destroys the site of the venous lake and removes the lesion as a result.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery refers to a treatment that incorporates a cold substance, usually liquid nitrogen, to destroy the superficial layer of the venous lake.

Surgical Excision

Surgical excision is a very rare treatment method used only under critical circumstances. The lesion is removed, though a scar will remain.