What Is Infantile Hemangioma? A Brief Explanation

As a parent, nothing is more special than the day you welcome your new child into the world. The moment you first hold that baby in your arms is one you cherish for a lifetime. 

However, parents, especially first-time parents, worry about their baby’s safety to excess. In the months leading up to birth, they may have fears that the child has a health condition. After the baby arrives, any rash or blemish becomes a life-or-death threat. 

That’s why parents often worry when they see infantile hemangioma develop on their child. These bright red birthmarks show up on a baby around the first or second week of life. 

If you’re worried about this condition, check out our guide below! We’ll explore all the information you need.

What Is Infantile Hemangioma? 

As we mentioned above, infantile hemangioma is a bright red birthmark. It can develop anywhere on the body but most commonly shows up on the face, scalp, or torso. 

How does it develop? A hemangioma comes from extra blood vessels in the skin. It often has a rubbery appearance, distinguishing it from other growths. 

Infantile Hemangioma Symptoms

Infantile hemangioma symptoms are pretty mild. It starts as a flat red mark on the body, usually around the face, scalp, chest, or back. During the first year, the mark quickly grows into a bump that sticks out from the skin.

This bump usually has a spongy feel along with a rubbery look. For most babies, one mark is standard. It’s more likely to develop on female babies, especially those born prematurely.

However, it is possible for a baby to develop multiple hemangioma marks. This development happens more frequently in babies who are part of multiple births. 

Infantile Hemangioma Treatment

In most cases, infantile hemangioma treatment isn’t necessary. Once a hemangioma mark develops, it typically enters a rest phase soon after. Over time, the growth will disappear.

It’s not uncommon for hemangiomas to disappear by the age of five. The majority vanish by age 10. 

However, sometimes the mark leaves a calling card. After it disappears, the skin where the hemangioma once was may have slight discoloration or elevation.

On rare occasions, treatment may be necessary. If the mark interferes with a child’s ability to see, breathe, hear, or use the restroom, treatment may be necessary. While this doesn’t happen frequently, it can affect some children.

Another potential threat is when a hemangioma turns into a sore. When this happens, it can lead to pain and bleeding. If this continues, it can develop into scarring or an infection. 

If you notice that this mark is sensitive to touch or bleeding, contact your doctor soon. You can learn more about potential treatment here. 

Consult Your Pediatrician Today

If you’re concerned about your baby’s infantile hemangioma, consult your pediatrician. They’ll monitor the growth with each check-up, ensuring that no harm comes to your child. However, in most cases, you can rest assured that the problem will often solve itself.

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