Written By: Pavitra Sampath | Updated : June 4, 2014 5:46 PM IST
I am 60-year-old man and I have Hepatitis C. Recently, I have noticed what appear to be bloody blisters on my scrotum. When popped they bleed a lot. What might this mean or be?
Skin specialist Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurkarsays: 'The bloody blisters that you have developed could be angiokeratomas of the scrotum. These lesions characteristically bleed a lot and you must meet a dermatologist immediately. You might have to get a skin test done to confirm the diagnosis. Once diagnosed, the lesions will be cauterized (sealed) with the help of a radiofrequency machine.'
What is angiokeratomas of scrotum?
Angiokeratomas of the scrotum is a condition where the blood vessels present just below the skin of the scrotum, are present much closer to the topmost layer of the skin, forming blister like leisions that bleed spontaneously and can cause a fairly large amount of blood loss. The condition is usually seen in people with underlying conditions such as an intra-abdominal mass, urinary tract tumour, varicocele, hernias or a condition known as Fabry's syndrome. That being said, in some cases there may be no underlying conditions or reasons for these leisons. Doctors believe that it may just be a case of blood vessels being present too close to the topmost layer of the skin, that with time tend to form lesions.
What are the symptoms of this condition?
An angiokeratoma is usually seen as a large, round or oval, reddish black lesion that have a defined border. It will usually have a whitish covering or scaling skin present on top of it. They bleed spontaneously and for a long time. In some cases they may require emergency care, as the bleeding might not stop. In people taking blood thinners, this condition can be especially dangerous.
How is it diagnosed?
An angiokeratoma of the scrotum is usually easy to diagnose. The doctor will first perform a medical examination of the scrotum. Then he/she will ask about the patient's medical history, in order to determine the presence of any underlying factors. In cases where the doctor is in doubt he/she may prescribe a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
What are the treatment options?
In cases that are not very severe, the treatment options are quite simple. The area is cauterized using radio waves to stop the bleeding. It also helps in healing the area. Other methods (still being used experimentally) to treat the condition include cryotherapy (where liquid nitrogen is applied to the area), sclerotherapy (where a medicine is injected into the area to help stop the bleeding). In case the patient has some underlying medical conditions, the doctor may want to treat them while addressing the angiokeratoma.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis c.
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