Treatment of infantile hemangioma

hemangioma · red birthmark in a baby · strawberry mark · blood vessel birthmark · hemangioma treatment

A hemangioma is a harmless blood vessel mark in babies. It usually grows in the first months and then slowly shrinks on its own. Sometimes it is treated.

When a hemangioma grows quickly, is near the eye, lips or nose, is in a place that rubs, or breaks open.

⏱ Duration: the visit usually takes 20 to 30 minutes; treatment usually takes months

Be sure to tell your doctor

When it appeared and how fast it is growing
Whether there have been sores or bleeding on the mark
Whether your baby has heart or breathing problems or low blood sugar
All of your baby's medicines and supplements

How to prepare

Photos. Take a photo of the mark from the side with a ruler next to it - this shows whether it is growing.
Decision. Whether to wait or treat is up to the doctor. Sometimes it is treated with pills, sometimes with a laser.
Pills. If pills are prescribed, the first dose is often given under the doctor's watch.

What to bring

Photos of the mark from the last few weeks
Your baby's medical record
A list of questions for the doctor
A bottle, or the breast - to calm your baby

How it goes

The doctor examines the mark and measures it
Sometimes does an ultrasound
Explains whether treatment is needed
If needed, prescribes pills or a laser
Laser: your baby's eyes are protected and the mark is treated with short flashes
The next check-up is set

What you'll feel

The exam is painless
Laser feels like a rubber band snap, and the skin is cooled; your baby may cry

Afterwards

If pills are prescribed, give them with food and at the same time every day
Do not stop the pills on your own
Photograph the mark once a week or every two weeks
Go to the check-ups

Contact a doctor straight away if

The mark bleeds or a sore appears - see a doctor
The mark makes it hard to open the eye or to breathe - see a doctor urgently
On pills: your baby is limp, pale, sweaty or feeding poorly - call your local emergency number

Common questions

Will a hemangioma go away by itself?

Often it shrinks on its own over a few years. The doctor decides if treatment is needed.

Is a hemangioma dangerous?

Usually not. It is a concern if it affects the eye or breathing, or bleeds.