Dear Concerned Parent,
If you find yourself questioning that prominent, raised “birthmark” on your baby’s skin, I completely understand your need to reach out frequently and seek reassurance. It’s natural to feel anxious about your child’s health.
As a parent and a pediatric plastic surgeon, I want to assure you that what you are seeing is a hemangioma. While the term may seem alarming, rest assured that these growths are not as frightening as they may appear.
What is a Hemangioma?
Hemangiomas are large, red or reddish birthmarks that can emerge within the first few weeks of life and may continue to grow for 10 to 14 months. Essentially, they are benign tumors formed by clusters of blood vessels in the skin and fat layers. Known by various names, such as “strawberry mark” or “vascular birthmark,” they typically do not appear at birth, which can understandably cause concern for new parents. If I were to see one on my child without any background knowledge, I would be worried too.
Reassurance About Hemangiomas
However, there’s no need to fret—hemangiomas are universally benign and often shrink and fade away on their own by the time children reach five years old. I frequently treat these conditions and have witnessed this phenomenon firsthand.
You may be wondering why this happened. Despite extensive research, the exact reasons behind the appearance of hemangiomas remain unclear. However, here are a few comforting facts:
- They are NOT hereditary,
- They are NOT caused by any toxic exposure during pregnancy, and
- They do NOT become cancerous, spread like cancer, or indicate serious underlying health issues in most cases.
Good news, right?
What Should You Do Next?
It’s essential to obtain a proper diagnosis. While over 90% of hemangiomas can be identified by their appearance (preferably by a board-certified pediatric plastic surgeon), other similar birthmarks, such as “Cupid’s kiss” or “stork bite,” may be misidentified as hemangiomas. These marks are harmless but differ significantly in appearance and do not follow the same life cycle as a true hemangioma, underscoring the importance of consulting a specialist for an accurate assessment.
Once you have the correct diagnosis, the next step is to formulate a plan. What if it grows too large? What if it bleeds or the skin breaks down? Please do not panic—these are merely hypothetical scenarios. Most hemangiomas can be monitored until they naturally resolve over several years, even larger ones located on the chest, abdomen, or limbs. However, if the hemangioma is located on your child’s face and is affecting her vision, you do have the option for surgical removal, which has its own advantages and disadvantages. Generally, I believe that removal is only necessary if it obstructs vision or causes significant disfigurement. You may also want to discuss the medication propranolol with your specialist; it has been shown to effectively manage hemangioma growth in infants. However, if the hemangioma does not disrupt your child’s quality of life, I usually recommend a wait-and-see approach.
Final Thoughts
As a surgeon and a father of two, I want you to know that you are not alone and that these birthmarks are generally not harmful. One in ten children will have a hemangioma, making it quite common. Don’t hesitate to consult a specialist to alleviate your concerns, but in the meantime, take a deep breath. Your baby will be okay, and so will you—that is a promise I can make.
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Summary
Hemangiomas are benign birthmarks that can appear on infants, often causing concern for parents. While their exact cause is unknown, they are not hereditary or cancerous and usually resolve on their own by age five. Consulting a specialist for accurate diagnosis and management options is essential.