Venous lake

Venous Lake

A Venous Lake is a benign lesion commonly found on the lips or ears of older adults. It is also known as a phlebectasis or temple lake. The condition is characterized by a dark blue or violet lesion that appears on the skin due to dilated venules.

Causes

The primary cause of a venous lake is chronic sun exposure, which damages the walls of the small veins and venules in the skin. This damage leads to the dilation of the vessels, forming a venous lake. Other factors that may contribute to the development of a venous lake include aging, trauma, and a history of smoking.

Symptoms

Venous lakes are typically asymptomatic, meaning they do not cause any discomfort or pain. However, they are often of cosmetic concern due to their dark color and location. The lesions are soft to the touch and can be easily compressed due to the blood-filled nature of the lesion. Upon release, they will refill slowly from the periphery.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a venous lake is typically made through a clinical examination. The lesion's characteristic appearance, location, and compressibility often allow for a diagnosis without further testing. However, in some cases, a Dermoscopy or a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, such as a malignant melanoma.

Treatment

Treatment for venous lakes is typically sought for cosmetic reasons. Several treatment options are available, including laser therapy, sclerotherapy, and surgical excision. Laser therapy, particularly with a pulsed dye laser or Nd:YAG laser, is often the treatment of choice due to its effectiveness and minimal side effects.

See also

• Dermatology
• Vascular lesion
• Laser therapy