Hey there, fellow parent! If you’ve found yourself staring at that big, raised ‘birthmark’ on your little one, I completely understand why you’ve been calling my office nonstop and possibly even bringing your baby in to see me. It can be quite nerve-racking, and let me tell you, I get it. As a dad myself (shhh, don’t tell my wife), I know how those worries can swirl around in your mind.
As a pediatric plastic surgeon, I want to reassure you that what you’re seeing is called a hemangioma. Don’t let the fancy name or its appearance scare you—it’s not nearly as alarming as it might seem! Hemangiomas are essentially large, reddish birthmarks that can appear within the first few weeks of life. They can grow for about 10 to 14 months, but here’s the good news: they’re harmless tumors made up of a cluster of blood vessels nestled in the skin and fat layers. You might have heard them referred to as “strawberry marks” or “vascular birthmarks.” While they don’t show up right at birth (as you may have experienced), watching one develop can definitely cause some concern for new parents. If I were to see one for the first time on my little girls, I’d likely worry too!
But here’s the silver lining: hemangiomas are almost always benign and typically start to shrink and fade by the time your child turns five. I deal with these all the time, so you’re in good hands!
Understanding Hemangiomas
Now, you might be wondering, “Why did this happen?” Well, after extensive research, we still don’t know the exact cause of these quirky birthmarks. There are various scientific theories (which I won’t bore you with), but here’s what might put your mind at ease:
- They’re NOT genetic,
- They’re NOT due to any toxic exposure during pregnancy, and
- They do NOT turn into cancer, spread, or indicate any serious underlying health issues in most cases.
Pretty comforting, right?
What to Do Next
So what do you do next? First, ensure you have a proper diagnosis. While over 90% of hemangiomas can be identified just by looking at them (preferably by a board-certified pediatric plastic surgeon), other similar marks, like a “Cupid’s kiss” (a red mark on the forehead) or a “stork bite” (found on the nape of the neck), may be confused for a hemangioma. These are also harmless but differ significantly in appearance and life cycle, so seeing a specialist is crucial.
Once you have the diagnosis (which it sounds like you do), the next step is to create a plan. What if the hemangioma grows too large? What if it bleeds? What if the skin breaks down? Don’t panic—these are all just ‘what-ifs.’ Most hemangiomas can be monitored until they naturally fade away over the years, even the larger ones on the chest or scalp. However, if it’s on your child’s face and affects her eye, you do have options, including removal. Generally speaking, I believe removal is only necessary if it obstructs vision or causes significant disfigurement. Another route you might want to explore with your specialist is the medication propranolol, which has been found to effectively manage hemangiomas in the first year of life. If it’s not impacting your child’s quality of life, I usually recommend leaving it be—just my personal take!
You Are Not Alone
The core message I want to share with you is that you’re not on this journey alone. These birthmarks are not dangerous—one in ten children will eventually have a hemangioma, making it quite common. Don’t hesitate to consult with a specialist to ease your worries. In the meantime, take a deep breath! Your baby is going to be just fine. You’ve got this!
And if you’re interested in more valuable insights into parenting and related topics, check out this blog post about home insemination kits, or learn more about the incredible resources available through WebMD for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Hemangiomas are common, benign birthmarks that usually appear in infancy and are not harmful. They typically shrink and fade over time, and while there are treatment options for larger or problematic hemangiomas, many simply require monitoring. It’s essential to consult with a specialist for an accurate diagnosis and to discuss potential treatment plans if necessary.