In this article:
What Are Infantile Hemangiomas?
Infantile hemangiomas are common birthmarks made up of extra blood vessels that develop incorrectly and multiply more than they should. These marks often appear at birth or within the first few weeks of your baby’s life. They can show up as a flat red patch or a spongy bump and are typically found on the face, scalp, chest, or back. Though they grow quickly in the early months, most begin to shrink by the time your child turns one. These are the most common benign (non-cancerous) tumours in babies and tend to resolve on their own over time.Types of Infantile Hemangiomas
Understanding the type of hemangioma your baby has can help you know what to expect. These are the main types:- Superficial infantile hemangiomas: These appear on the skin’s surface and are bright red. Often called “strawberry birthmarks,” they are easy to notice due to their vivid colour.
- Deep infantile hemangiomas: Found under the skin, these may look blue or skin-coloured. They can be harder to notice at first, but become clearer as they grow.
- Mixed infantile hemangiomas: These have both superficial and deep parts.
Growth and Development Phases
Infantile hemangiomas follow a unique pattern as your baby grows. In the first five months, they enter a proliferative phase where they grow quickly. Then comes the involution phase, where the hemangioma begins to shrink, flatten, and fade in colour. Most shrinking happens by the time your child is 3.5 to 4 years old. By age 5, many hemangiomas fade significantly, and most are gone by age 10. However, nearly half of the children might be left with some scar tissue, extra blood vessels, or slight discolouration on the skin.Causes and Risk Factors
You may wonder why your baby has a hemangioma. The exact cause isn’t known, but it involves extra blood vessels grouping together into a dense clump. Some of the factors that make hemangiomas more likely include:- Gender: Girls are more prone to developing strawberry hemangiomas than boys.
- Prematurity: Babies born early are at greater risk.
- Low birth weight: Hemangioma newborn cases are more common in babies with low birth weight.
PHACE Syndrome and Infantile Hemangiomas
Sometimes a large infantile hemangioma, especially on the head or neck, can be part of a rare condition called PHACE syndrome. Each letter stands for a specific issue:- P - Posterior fossa malformations: A malformation in a part of the brain.
- H - Hemangioma: A large infantile hemangioma.
- A - Arterial anomalies: Issues with arteries in the brain or near the heart.
- C - Cardiac abnormalities (coarctation of the aorta): A narrowing of the aorta, the large blood vessel carrying blood from the heart.
- E - Eye anomalies: Conditions affecting the eyes.
Complications of Infantile Hemangiomas
Hemangiomas usually do not cause any trouble, but some can lead to issues depending on their location. The most common complication is ulceration, where the skin over the hemangioma breaks down into a painful sore that may bleed, scar, or get infected. Other potential problems include:- Hemangiomas on or around the eye can affect sight.
- Marks near the mouth might make eating difficult.
- If located in the airway, they can interfere with breathing.
- Hemangiomas in the diaper area may cause issues with hygiene or comfort.
- Very large hemangiomas, especially in the liver, can strain the heart.
- Risk of PHACE syndrome. These hemangiomas may impact multiple body functions.
Diagnosis of Infantile Hemangiomas
If you notice a mark on your baby’s skin, a doctor can diagnose a strawberry hemangioma by examining it and asking about your pregnancy and your baby’s health. Superficial types are easier to notice, but deep ones might take time to become clear during the growth phase. Most cases don’t need special tests.However, if the growth is deep, an ultrasound might be used to see more detail under the skin. Your doctor may suggest an MRI for larger ones, especially on the head or neck. This scan shows the size and location of the hemangioma and checks for issues with the brain or blood vessels.
Treatment Options for Infantile Hemangiomas
Most infantile hemangiomas don’t need treatment and fade over time. Your child’s paediatrician or a specialist like a dermatologist, haematologist, or surgeon will monitor the mark. During the first year, when growth is rapid, frequent check-ups are important to watch for any problems. After the first birthday, visits may be less frequent until school age. Treatment is considered if complications arise or if the hemangioma is in a sensitive area.Surgical Procedures
Surgery is rare for infantile hemangiomas because effective medicines (for example, beta blockers) are available. It’s usually considered before school age to fix scars or damage left behind. Some parents wait until the child is old enough to decide. Surgery can help if a permanent mark or scar remains. A surgical excision (removal of the growth using a scalpel or laser) can be done to treat this issue. This is an outpatient procedure, meaning your child can go home the same day.When to Seek Medical Help
Keep an eye on your child’s hemangioma during routine visits with their healthcare professional. Reach out if you notice bleeding, a sore, or signs of infection. Seek medical care quickly if the hemangioma affects important functions like:- Vision
- Breathing
- Hearing
- Ability to go to the bathroom
FAQs on A Detailed Overview of Infantile Hemangiomas
- Will my child need treatment for strawberry hemangiomas?
Not always. Many cases do not need treatment unless there are complications or the growth affects daily functions. - Are infantile hemangiomas dangerous?
Most of these hemangiomas are harmless and fade over time without causing problems. But in some cases, they can lead to complications based on their size and location. For example, a growth near the eye might affect your baby’s vision. - How are infantile hemangiomas diagnosed?
Doctors identify them through a physical exam. But in some situations, scans like ultrasound or MRI may be needed.
