Infantile Hemangiomas

When you notice a red or purple mark on your baby’s skin, it’s natural to feel concerned. At Millcreek Dermatology, we understand the anxiety parents experience when their infant develops a hemangioma. These common vascular birthmarks appear in approximately 5% of infants, and while many are harmless, some require professional evaluation and treatment. Dr. Ivan Flint and our experienced dermatology team provide comprehensive care for infantile hemangiomas, offering both medical expertise and compassionate support to help you make informed decisions about your child’s skin health.

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Understanding Infantile Hemangiomas

Infantile hemangiomas are benign tumors made up of extra blood vessels that typically appear within the first few weeks of life. These growths can develop on any part of your baby’s body, though they most commonly occur on the face, scalp, chest, or back. The appearance varies depending on the depth and location, ranging from bright red raised bumps called strawberry marks to deeper blue or purple lesions beneath the skin’s surface.

Most hemangiomas follow a predictable growth pattern. They grow rapidly during the first five to seven months of life, then gradually stabilize and eventually begin to shrink. While this natural progression means many infantile hemangiomas resolve on their own by age five to ten, certain cases require medical intervention to prevent complications or permanent changes to your child’s appearance.

Benefits of Infantile Hemangioma Treatment

Prevents Functional Complications

Early treatment of infantile hemangiomas can prevent serious functional problems that affect your child’s development and quality of life. Hemangiomas near the eyes can obstruct vision and lead to amblyopia, while those in the airway can cause breathing difficulties. Lesions on the lips or near the mouth may interfere with feeding, and those in the diaper area can ulcerate and become painful. Addressing these issues promptly ensures your baby develops normally without avoidable obstacles.

Reduces Scarring and Skin Changes

Treating infantile hemangiomas before they reach their maximum size minimizes the risk of permanent skin changes. Large hemangiomas can stretch the skin significantly, leaving behind loose tissue, scarring, or discoloration even after the tumor regresses. Medical intervention during the growth phase can limit these lasting effects, helping your child avoid cosmetic concerns that might otherwise require surgical correction later. Early treatment gives your child the best chance for clear, healthy skin as they grow.

Addresses Ulceration and Pain

Ulceration occurs in approximately 10% of infantile hemangiomas, causing open sores that are painful and prone to infection. These wounds typically develop on hemangiomas located in areas subject to friction, such as the neck, diaper region, or lips. Treatment can accelerate healing of existing ulcers and prevent new ones from forming, sparing your baby unnecessary discomfort. Effective management ensures your child remains comfortable and reduces the stress of caring for painful skin lesions.

Improves Cosmetic Outcomes

Infantile hemangiomas on visible areas like the face can significantly impact your child’s appearance and potentially affect their social development and self-esteem. Treatment during the early growth phase can dramatically reduce the size and visibility of these lesions, leading to better cosmetic results than waiting for natural involution. By minimizing the hemangioma’s impact on your child’s appearance, you help them avoid potential psychological effects and the need for more invasive procedures in the future.

Provides Peace of Mind for Parents

Knowing that your child’s hemangioma is being professionally monitored and treated alleviates the anxiety many parents experience. You gain confidence through expert guidance on what to expect, clear communication about treatment options, and ongoing assessment to ensure the lesion isn’t causing hidden problems. Professional care means you’re not facing this challenge alone, and you can focus on enjoying your baby’s early months rather than worrying about their birthmark.

How We Treat and Monitor Your Baby’s Hemangioma

Initial Hemangioma Examination

Your first visit begins with a thorough examination of your baby’s hemangioma and a detailed discussion of when it appeared, how quickly it has grown, and any symptoms you’ve noticed. We assess the location, size, depth, and type of hemangioma to determine whether it poses any risk to your child’s health or development. This comprehensive evaluation allows us to provide an accurate prognosis and discuss whether active treatment is necessary or if careful monitoring would be more appropriate.

Treatment Planning and Discussion

Based on the evaluation, we develop a treatment approach tailored to your child’s specific needs and the characteristics of their hemangioma. For lesions requiring intervention, we may recommend oral medications like beta-blockers, which have become the gold standard for treating problematic infantile hemangiomas. We explain the treatment timeline, what results you can expect, and any potential side effects, ensuring you feel fully informed and comfortable with the plan before we proceed.

Beginning Medical Intervention

If medication is prescribed, we provide detailed instructions on administration and what to monitor at home. Some treatments require initial observation to ensure your baby tolerates the medication well, and we schedule regular follow-up appointments to track progress. For hemangiomas with ulceration, we may also prescribe topical treatments to promote healing and reduce pain. Throughout treatment, we remain available to answer questions and address any concerns that arise.

At-Home Care Instructions

We educate you on protecting the treated area and recognizing signs that might require attention between appointments. You’ll learn how to gently cleanse the area, when to apply any prescribed topical medications, and what changes are normal versus those that warrant a call to our office. For ulcerated hemangiomas, we provide specific wound care instructions to promote healing and prevent infection. These aftercare practices support the treatment’s effectiveness and help your baby remain comfortable.

Continued Observation and Care

Regular monitoring appointments allow us to track how the hemangioma responds to treatment and make any necessary adjustments to the plan. We document changes in size, color, and texture through photographs and measurements, providing a clear record of progress over time. These visits also give you opportunities to discuss any new concerns and receive guidance as your child grows. We continue care until the hemangioma has sufficiently regressed or stabilized, ensuring the best possible outcome.

Why Choose Our Treatment Approach

Choosing where to take your infant for hemangioma care means finding dermatologists who understand pediatric skin conditions and treat your family with respect. At Millcreek Dermatology, we take time during each appointment to listen to your observations about how the hemangioma has changed and address the questions that keep you up at night. You won’t feel rushed through your visit or left wondering what happens next.

We explain your baby’s condition in clear terms without medical jargon that leaves you more confused than when you arrived. Whether your infant needs medical treatment or simply periodic check-ups to monitor natural regression, we provide honest recommendations based on what we see during the examination. Our approach focuses on giving you the information you need to feel confident about your child’s care, whatever path forward makes the most sense for your family’s situation.

Your Baby’s Skin Health Deserves More Than Guesswork!

The first weeks with your infant are precious, and watching a hemangioma develop can turn that joy into worry about what comes next. At Millcreek Dermatology, we know you’re looking for more than just medical treatment you need clarity on whether intervention is necessary, reassurance about your baby’s future appearance, and a pediatric dermatology team that treats your concerns with the seriousness they deserve.

Dr. Ivan Flint and our specialists have extensive experience evaluating infantile hemangiomas during their critical growth phase, helping you understand whether your baby needs treatment now or if observation is the better path forward. You can follow Millcreek Dermatology on Facebook and Instagram to see educational content about pediatric skin conditions and connect with other parents navigating similar concerns. Reach out to our office today at 801-262-3600 to arrange a consultation where we’ll examine your baby’s hemangioma, answer every question you have, and create a monitoring or treatment plan that gives you confidence in your child’s care.

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FAQs

What is an infantile hemangioma?

Infantile hemangioma is a benign vascular tumor composed of rapidly dividing endothelial cells that form extra blood vessels in the skin. These growths typically appear within the first few weeks after birth and can occur anywhere on the body, though they’re most common on the head and neck. They range from superficial bright red lesions to deeper blue or purple masses, depending on how deep the abnormal blood vessels extend into the skin.

What causes infantile hemangioma?

The exact cause of infantile hemangiomas remains unknown, though researchers believe they result from abnormal development of blood vessel cells during early infancy. Several factors increase risk, including premature birth, low birth weight, female gender, and multiple gestations. Some studies suggest that low oxygen levels in certain tissues may trigger the growth of these extra blood vessels, but no single cause has been definitively identified.

Do infantile hemangiomas go away?

Most infantile hemangiomas undergo spontaneous involution, meaning they gradually shrink and fade without treatment over several years. Approximately 50% show significant improvement by age five, and 90% improve substantially by age nine. However, some hemangiomas leave behind residual skin changes such as scarring, loose skin, or discoloration even after they regress, which is why certain cases benefit from early medical intervention.

How to treat infantile hemangioma?

Treatment for infantile hemangiomas depends on their size, location, and whether they’re causing complications. Oral propranolol has become the first-line therapy for problematic hemangiomas, effectively slowing growth and promoting earlier regression. Other options include topical beta-blockers for small superficial lesions, oral corticosteroids in specific situations, and laser therapy for certain types. Many hemangiomas that aren’t causing functional or cosmetic concerns require only observation rather than active treatment.

Is infantile hemangioma dangerous?

Most infantile hemangiomas are completely harmless and pose no danger to your child’s health. However, certain hemangiomas can cause complications depending on their location and size. Those near the eyes, airway, or other vital structures may interfere with normal function and require prompt treatment. Large hemangiomas or multiple lesions can occasionally be associated with underlying conditions, which is why professional evaluation is important when a hemangioma is discovered.