Group

Infantile hemangioma is the most common benign (non-cancerous) vascular tumor in infants. It appears shortly after birth as a bright red or bluish skin lesion caused by an abnormal growth of blood vessels. While many infantile hemangiomas are small and harmless, some may grow rapidly and require medical attention depending on their size and location.

These birthmarks typically go through two phases: a growth phase, which occurs during the first few months of life, followed by a slow involution phase, where the lesion gradually shrinks over several years. Most hemangiomas disappear significantly by the time a child reaches school age.

Common Symptoms

• Bright red, raised skin lesion ("strawberry mark")

• Bluish swelling beneath the skin

• Rapid growth during infancy

• Ulceration or bleeding in some cases

• Possible vision, breathing, or feeding problems if located near the eyes, nose, or mouth

Risk Factors

Infantile hemangiomas are more common in premature babies, infants with low birth weight, females, twins, and babies of older mothers. Although the exact cause remains unknown, researchers believe abnormal blood vessel development during fetal growth plays a key role.