Sclerotherapy as a treatment modality for oral venous lake: protocol of use

INTRODUCTION: The venous lake is a venous ectasia that usually occurs on the lips and oral mucosa of the elderly. Although sclerotherapy is one of the most suitable treatments for this condition, dermatologists don't use this technique very often. Also, the concentration of the sclerosing agent, dose, and method of application are not standardized.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to report the use of ethanolamine oleate 5% (EO5%) as a sclerosing agent to treat the oral venous lake and suggest a sclerotherapy protocol.
METHODS: We used a standardized protocol to treat an oral venous lake in ten consecutive patients, based on the experience of a University Dermatology Clinic, specialized in Stomatology. EO5% was applied in deep and central intralesional injections, with a predetermined volume proportional to the lesion’s dimensions. Results: Six patients had total lesion regression with one session. Another three patients achieved satisfactory regression with two monthly sessions, and one patient required three monthly sessions. All participants reported edema or burning for one to three days.
CONCLUSION: The oral venous lake treatment with EO5% is a safe and effective technique that can be used in the dermatologist's clinical practice.

Keywords: y, Venous Lake, Ethanolamine Oleate.