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SALT LAKE CITY — A hemangioma, as defined by the Mayo Clinic, is "a birthmark that most commonly appears as a rubbery, bright red nodule of extra blood vessels in the skin."
The vascular abnormality is common — occurring in about 1 out of every 100 births, according to Kids Health — and sometimes referred to as a strawberry mark, stork bite or port-wine stain. The cause of hemangiomas, however, is unknown.
There are three types of infantile hemangiomas: a capillary hemangioma, which develops on the top layer of skin; a cavernous hemangioma, which forms deeper in the skin; and a combination of the two.
Hemangiomas are more common in babies with fair skin. They also appear more in females than males, and premature babies tend to develop them more than their full-term counterparts, the Mayo Clinic says. While a hemangioma can be present at birth, it may also develop several weeks afterward.
The good news is this type of birthmark rarely causes problems and many go away on their own. Some, however, are permanent.
A permanent hemangioma isn't usually treated before a child reaches school age, unless it is causing problems.
Occasionally, a child will experience discomfort or bleeding at the site of the vascular birthmark. Treatment should be considered if the hemangioma becomes painful; changes in size, shape or color; or causes severe emotional distress.
If your doctor thinks removal of the hemangioma is the best option, he or she will likely choose one of the following options:
- Corticosteroids or beta-blocker medications, such as propranolol
- Freezing the hemangioma
- Laser treatments (to stop growth or remove the hemangioma)
- Surgical removal
The earlier a problem hemangioma is removed, and the smaller it is, the better the results.
Contributing: Jordan Ormond
Suzanne Carlile, "Nurse Suzy," has been a nurse since 1982. Her main focus is critical care and nursing education. She holds a master's degree in nursing, is a Certified Emergency Nurse, and a member of NNSDO Intermountain West Chapter.
