Venous lake

Venous lake refers to a bluish soft macule/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 as per today’s date. 

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

The condition has very unique visible features, and; thus, can be easily diagnosed through clinical assessment. Usually, the blue-purple color of the lesion disappears if you compress it because the blood gets cleared out from the dilated venule. This phenomenon can be seen under usage of glass slide and/or dermatoscope’s lens. Moreover, under the dermatoscope, venous lake is seen as structureless blue-purple lesion.  

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

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

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

The cryosurgery refers to the treatment which incorporates a cold substance, usually liquid nitrogen, to destroy the superficial layer of venous lake. 

The surgical excision is a very rare treatment method which is used only under crucial circumstances. The lesion will be removed but the scar will be left. 

Centre for Medical and Surgical Dermatology offers various treatment options for venous lake which are unique for every patient, visit the following link:

Laser Treatment

Centre for Medical and Surgical Dermatology offers different surgical options  for removing venous lake. For more information on the following procedure, visit the following link:

Surgical Dermatology