What Are Infantile Hemangiomas?
An Infantile Hemangioma is a type of birthmark made up of clusters of blood vessels. Occurring in 4 to 5 percent of all infants, hemangiomas can be present at birth but more often appear within the first few weeks to months of life. Hemangiomas vary in appearance. Some are bright red spots on the surface of the skin while others develop beneath the skin and have more of a blue color or bruised appearance. Hemangiomas tend to grow rapidly during the first few months of life. Following their initial growth period, hemangiomas often flatten and fade in appearance over time.
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Learn more about virtual visitHow Are Hemangiomas Treated?
Strategies for the management of hemangiomas depend on the size and location of the hemangiomas. For small hemangiomas, no treatment may be necessary. However, a significant number of hemangiomas do require treatment, particularly those that:
- Are large or develop in a location that can lead to disfigurement.
- Cause difficulties with vision, breathing or feeding.
- Have overlying skin that becomes raw and open.
Systemic Treatments
- Propranolol: For large or problematic hemangiomas, oral medications such as propranolol or other beta-blockers can be used to effectively control hemangioma growth and speed the shrinking process.
- Oral steroids: While oral steroids have largely been replaced by safer, more effective options, they can be used to treat hemangiomas in certain cases.
Localized Treatments
- Topical treatments: Topical medications, or those that are applied directly to the skin, can be helpful for small or superficial hemangiomas. For example, topical beta-blockers can be used to help shrink or fade hemangiomas and to stop further growth.
- Steroid injections: For localized hemangiomas, occasional injections of a steroid medication directly into the area may be used to slow the hemangioma’s growth.
Other Treatments
- Laser therapy: Laser therapy is often helpful in reducing residual redness and texture changes that hemangiomas can leave behind following shrinkage.
- Surgery: Surgical removal of hemangiomas can be considered to repair extra skin or scars left by hemangiomas. For hemangiomas that require surgical intervention, the pediatric dermatology team is supported by University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, which is dedicated to providing advanced surgical treatments to restore a child’s appearance and improve their quality of life.
Whether your child needs specialized medication or could benefit from advanced laser treatment, the pediatric dermatology team at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital will provide them with compassionate care and the very best in hemangioma evaluation and management expertise.
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