syringoma

Dear Doctor,
I developed a lot of small growth around my eyes. According to biopsy, these are SYRINGOMAs. My doctor treated them with electrolysis, but he could remove only a few of them (and even they were not removed complitely) and with tretinoin gel, which only irritated my eyes.
My questions are:
How can I get rid of them? Which method is the most effective (CO2 laser?)? Why do they appear - can it be a sign of any other condition? And, finally, if a Co2 laser is a good option, - can such an operation be covered by HMO?
Thank you very much,
Natasha.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Natasha:

Some syringomas are hereditary, but their cause is not really understood.  Therefore, they can't be prevented.

Treatments used iunclude the electric needle and lasers like the CO2.  Such treatment is considered cosmetic, and not covered by insurance.

You might want to "shop around," as the out-of-pocket cost is likely to vary a lot among even experienced physicians.

Best.

Dr. R

[Maria]

Dear Doctor,

In the past few years, I developed Syringomas around my eye area.  Would CO2 Laser or Erbium Laser cause scarring or discoloration on Asians?

Maria