Infantile hemangiomas are common vascular birthmarks that may appear as red or bluish skin lesions that often grow rapidly in infancy and may lead to discoloration, swelling, or ulceration. Led by Dr. Waner and Dr. O, the Vascular Birthmark Institute offers expert diagnosis and personalized treatment for hemangiomas in children.
What Are Infantile Hemangiomas?
Infantile hemangiomas are non-cancerous vascular tumors made up of extra blood vessels that form under the skin. Often called “strawberry marks,” they typically appear within the first few weeks of life and may grow rapidly during early infancy. While most are harmless and fade over time, some can ulcerate, become infected, or interfere with vital functions depending on their size and location. These lesions most commonly affect the head and neck. At the Vascular Birthmark Institute, we provide expert care to evaluate and manage infantile hemangiomas.
Signs & Symptoms of Infantile Hemangiomas:
- Pink, red, or bluish discoloration on the skin
- Raised or swollen area that may feel firm or rubbery
- Rapid growth in size during the first few months
- Most often located on the head, neck, or face
- Ulceration or open sores (may cause pain or bleeding)
- Bleeding or crusting of the lesion (in more advanced cases)
- Potential interference with vision, breathing, or feeding (depending on location)
- Shrinking and fading typically begins between 1 to 5 years of age
Types of Infantile Hemangiomas
Superficial Hemangiomas
Also known as “strawberry marks,” superficial hemangiomas appear as bright red lesions on the skin’s surface. These are the most recognizable type and are often slightly raised and soft to the touch. They form within weeks after birth and may enlarge rapidly before eventually fading.
Deep Hemangiomas
Deep hemangiomas develop below the skin’s surface, often characterized by a bluish hue. They may not be visible at birth and can resemble a soft mass or swelling. Because they are located deeper in the tissue, they can grow unnoticed until they start affecting nearby structures.
Mixed Hemangiomas
Mixed hemangiomas contain both superficial and deep components. They often present with both a red surface lesion and a bluish, deeper mass underneath. This can result in noticeable growth and, depending on size or location, may require monitoring and possible treatment.
Nodular Hemangiomas
These are oval or round, well-defined tumors that are the most common type of infantile hemangioma. They often grow rapidly during infancy before entering a plateau and eventual involution phase. Nodular hemangiomas may be less likely to cause complications.
Segmental Hemangiomas
Segmental hemangiomas are larger and cover a broader, often patterned area of the skin, following a developmental segment. These lesions are more likely to be associated with complications such as ulceration, structural abnormalities, or underlying syndromes.
Treatments for Infantile Hemangiomas
When it comes to treating infantile hemangiomas, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. At the Vascular Birthmark Institute, we begin by carefully evaluating your child’s hemangioma through physical examination, medical history, and imaging if needed. Factors such as the lesion’s size, type, location, and whether it affects function help us determine whether treatment is necessary and which option is most effective. Many infantile hemangiomas do not require intervention and will shrink over time, but if treatment is needed, we may offer one or more of the following.
Oral Medication
Propranolol is a beta-blocker medication for problematic hemangiomas. If your child has a rapidly growing or potentially harmful lesion, propranolol can help by narrowing the blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the tumor. This slows down growth, reduces swelling, and helps the lesion shrink more quickly than it would on its own. It’s typically given as an oral liquid and requires monitoring by a specialist to ensure safe dosage and minimal side effects.
Laser Therapy
Laser treatments are especially helpful for superficial or ulcerated hemangiomas or those that leave behind redness or scarring. We use a pulsed dye laser (PDL) to target the abnormal blood vessels in the lesion. The laser heats and closes these vessels without harming surrounding skin, gradually lightening the discoloration and reducing the lesion’s prominence. Depending on the hemangioma’s response, multiple sessions may be needed.
Surgical Removal
In certain cases, such as when a hemangioma is resistant to other treatments, causing functional impairment, or leaving excess tissue after involution, surgery may be the best option. Surgical removal involves carefully excising the lesion while preserving surrounding tissue and function. This procedure is typically recommended for smaller, well-defined lesions or those that remain bulky after the hemangioma has naturally regressed.
Schedule Your Consultation
Vascular Birthmark Institute is a world-renowned center dedicated to diagnosing and treating vascular anomalies, including infantile hemangiomas. Led by Dr. Waner and Dr. O, our team provides expert, compassionate care tailored to your child’s specific needs. We use advanced diagnostic tools and cutting-edge therapies to achieve the best possible outcomes. If your child has an infantile hemangioma, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our specialists and learn about the treatment options available to you.
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