Hemangiomas
Hemangiomas are clusters of extra blood vessels in the skin. They are one of the most common skin problems in the first year of life. Although only 1 to 2.6% of newborn infants have them present at birth, they are found in up to 10% of children by 1 year of age. They appear most often during the first two weeks to two months of life.
Not all hemangiomas look alike. It depends on the depth of the increased numbers of blood vessels. Those that are not deep (superficial) tend to be bright red and raised with an uneven surface. Deeper hemangiomas tend to be smooth on the surface, but blue in color. Many times, they will appear both red and blue. Often, the types closer to the surface will begin by looking flat or pink, but quickly change into the raised, bright red lesions.
Hemangiomas tend to enlarge in size from 1 month until about 8 months of age, then level off and begin to slightly curve inward (involute) between 1 and 3 years of age. About 50% of them will complete involution by 5 years of age, and 90% or more will be fully involuted by age 9. They keep involuting until age 12 in some cases. In almost half of these cases, skin changes may be seen when “clear”. These include whiter skin, puckering, scarring, and visible blood vessels that persist.
Since these lesions often go away on their own and because of the possible side effects of treatment used, we rarely use aggressive treatment. But it may be needed if there are severe ulcers or disfigurement. It will also be needed if there are or problems with vital functions, like vision, hearing, breathing, and being able to eat. There are some other rare cases when treatment made be needed right away. The most common treatment is to use corticosteroids (in pill form or on the lesion), surgery, or laser. Choosing which technique to use depends on the location, age of the child, and size and look of the lesion. If the lesions are causing the child problems, they must be watched closely. Your doctor will tell you how often it needs to be checked.
We hope you understand that the chances that your child's hemangioma will resolve are very good. It is very important that the child be treated normally. It is a good idea to take frequent photos of the child as he or she grows.
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UW Dermatology Department 1 S. Park St 7th Floor Madison, WI 53715 Clinic: 608 287-2450 |
American Family Children’s Hospital Pediatric Dermatology Specialty Clinic 1675 Highland Ave. Madison, WI 53792 Clinic: 608 263-6420 |
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Last Updated: 06/17/2009
Copyright © 05/01/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6464
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