Treatment for a Strawberry Birthmark on an Infant's Face

Hemangiomas, or strawberry birthmarks, appear more commonly in females, on the head and neck and in premature babies. After a period of rapid growth, they typically subside without needing treatment.

Identification

• Hemangiomas are vascular birthmarks divided into superficial or strawberry categories, and designated as deep or cavernous. Because the abnormal blood vessels are close to the skin's surface, superficial hemangiomas are bright red and raised.

Development

• Usually appearing during the first six weeks after birth, hemangiomas grow very rapidly for the first six months to a year. Growth then typically stops and the hemangioma begins to turn white and slowly shrink in size. Half are flat by age 5 and 90 percent are flat by age 9. Some will completely disappear, while in others may leave a faint mark.

Facial Complications

• Hemangiomas appearing on or near the eye may interfere with visual development. In addition, hemangiomas on the face can potentially cause problems with breathing and eating.

Treatment

• Hemangiomas typically shrink on their own and do not require treatment. Under certain circumstances, treatment consists of corticosteroid medications injected into the hemangioma or taken orally. They may also be treated using a laser.

Warning

• A hemangioma needs to be examined by a doctor to ensure it is not interfering with vital organs. Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist to monitor the hemangioma's progress.