Hemangioma

Infantile hemangiomas are birthmarks that look like clusters of blood vessels. They often appear as a reddish, spongy bump or flat patch on the skin. Sometimes, they're so small they're barely noticeable.

A hemangioma (pronounced he-man-jee-O-muh), also called an infantile hemangioma, is a bright red birthmark. It looks like a soft, rubbery bump or a flat, reddish area. This birthmark is made up of extra blood vessels growing in the skin. These birthmarks usually show up at or soon after birth.

Hemangiomas typically appear on the face, head, chest, or back. They can appear anywhere on the body. In most cases, no treatment is needed, as hemangiomas often shrink and fade over time. Usually, by the time a child is 10 years old, there's little or no sign of the birthmark. A doctor might recommend treatment if the hemangioma:

• Causes problems: Like trouble seeing, breathing, or other health issues.
• Is in a sensitive area: For example, if it's on the face, and the parent is concerned about its cosmetic appearance.

If a hemangioma causes no problems and isn't in a sensitive area, parents often choose to simply monitor it, as it will likely resolve on its own.

Hemangiomas are birthmarks that often appear in the first month of a baby's life. They usually start as a flat, reddish area, most commonly found on the face, head, chest, or back. A child typically has only one, but sometimes they have more.

During the first year, this flat area might quickly become a raised, soft, spongy lump that sticks out from the skin. This is a normal part of the hemangioma's growth.

After this growth phase, the hemangioma enters a period of slowing down and shrinking. It typically starts to fade gradually. Many hemangiomas disappear completely by the time a child is 5 years old, and most are gone by age 10.

Even after the hemangioma is gone, the skin might be slightly different in color or texture (slightly raised).

Your doctor will usually check for hemangiomas during regular checkups. However, you should call your doctor if:

• The hemangioma bleeds.
• The hemangioma develops a sore or looks infected.
• The hemangioma affects important body functions like sight, breathing, hearing, or using the bathroom.

If you have any concerns about your child's hemangioma, it's best to contact their doctor right away.

Your child's doctor will check for hemangiomas during regular checkups. If you notice any bleeding, a sore, or signs of infection around the hemangioma, call your child's doctor right away.

If the hemangioma is causing trouble with important things like seeing, breathing, hearing, or using the bathroom, get medical help immediately.

A hemangioma is a collection of extra blood vessels that grow tightly clustered together. Doctors don't fully understand why these blood vessels form in such a concentrated way.

Hemangiomas, which are birthmarks, are more common in baby girls, white babies, and those born early (premature). Babies who are born weighing less than average also have a higher chance of developing a hemangioma. This means that these groups of babies are slightly more prone to having these types of birthmarks.

Sometimes, a hemangioma, a type of birthmark, can get damaged or irritated, creating a sore. This can be uncomfortable and cause pain. It might also lead to bleeding, marks from scarring, or an infection. Where the hemangioma is located on the body matters. For example, a hemangioma near the eyes could potentially affect vision. One near the lungs might affect breathing. A hemangioma in the ear area could affect hearing. And a hemangioma in the urinary area might sometimes affect the ability to urinate. However, these problems are uncommon.

Doctors can usually tell if someone has a hemangioma just by looking at the affected area. Most of the time, no special tests are necessary for diagnosis. A hemangioma is a type of birthmark or growth that's made of blood vessels. The doctor can often see if it's a hemangioma based on its appearance and location.