Hemangioma – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Hemangiomas are bright red birthmarks that appear as rubbery bumps or flat red patches on a baby’s skin. These marks form due to extra blood vessels developing in the skin.
They typically become visible either at birth or within the first month of a baby’s life.
Common locations for hemangiomas include the face, scalp, chest, and back. They can develop anywhere on the body. Most hemangiomas don’t require medical intervention as they naturally fade over time.
By age 10, most children show little to no trace of their original hemangioma.
Treatment becomes necessary only in specific situations:
- When the hemangioma affects vision
- If it interferes with breathing or other bodily functions
- When it appears in cosmetically sensitive areas
These birthmarks are also known as infantile hemangiomas or hemangiomas of infancy. While parents may feel concerned about their appearance, most hemangiomas resolve without complications as the child grows.
Signs and Symptoms
A hemangioma often shows up during the first month after birth. Sometimes it’s visible right away. It begins as a flat red mark, typically on the face, scalp, chest, or back.
Most children have just one mark, though some might have several.
During the first year, this red mark can grow quickly. It may become a raised, spongy bump with a rubbery texture that sticks out from the skin.
After this growth phase, the hemangioma enters a rest period. Then it starts to slowly disappear.
Most hemangiomas fade away by age 5, and almost all are gone by age 10. After the hemangioma disappears, the skin might remain slightly discolored or raised in that area.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Regular checkups with your child’s healthcare provider will include monitoring the hemangioma.
You should call your provider if the hemangioma starts bleeding, develops a sore, or appears infected. Seek medical attention right away if the hemangioma interferes with important body functions such as:
- Vision
- Breathing
- Hearing
- Urination or bowel movements
Causes
Hemangiomas form when blood vessels group together in a tight cluster. Medical experts do not yet understand why these blood vessels clump together. Despite ongoing research, the exact trigger for this blood vessel formation remains unknown.
Risk Factors
Certain babies have a higher chance of developing hemangiomas. Girls are more likely to get them than boys. White infants face a greater risk compared to other racial groups.
Premature birth and low birth weight also increase the chances of having a hemangioma.
Complications
Hemangiomas sometimes break open, creating a wound. This can cause several issues:
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Risk of infection
In rare cases, a hemangioma’s location may interfere with important functions. The growth might affect:
- Vision
- Breathing
- Hearing
- Urination or bowel movements
These problems are uncommon but require medical attention.
