Hello there! If you’re among the many parents puzzled by that noticeable ‘birthmark’ on your little one, I completely understand why you might be reaching out to my office repeatedly. It’s natural to feel anxious about your child’s health.
As a father myself, I can relate to that worry (don’t let my partner know!). As a pediatric plastic surgeon, I want to reassure you that what you’re seeing is known as a hemangioma. While the term may sound daunting, there’s no need for alarm; these birthmarks are far less concerning than they may appear.
What is a Hemangioma?
Hemangiomas are prominent, reddish birthmarks that can appear in the first few weeks after birth and may continue to grow for around 10-14 months. They are essentially benign tumors made up of clusters of blood vessels within the skin and fatty tissue. Often referred to as “strawberry marks” or “vascular birthmarks,” they typically don’t manifest right at birth, which can understandably cause anxiety when you see one develop. If I were to encounter one on my own child for the first time, I would likely feel the same concern!
Rest assured, hemangiomas are generally harmless and tend to shrink and fade away on their own by the time your child turns five. I see them regularly in my practice.
What Causes Hemangiomas?
So, what causes these unique birthmarks? After extensive research, we still haven’t pinpointed the exact reasons for their occurrence. However, to ease your mind, here are a few important facts:
- They are NOT inherited.
- They do NOT result from exposure to toxins during pregnancy.
- They do NOT turn cancerous, spread like cancer, or usually indicate any serious underlying health issues.
Quite a relief, isn’t it?
Next Steps
Now, what should your next steps be? First, obtaining a proper diagnosis is key. While over 90% of hemangiomas can be identified by a trained specialist based on appearance alone, other similar marks, such as a “Cupid’s kiss” or a “stork bite,” may be confused with a hemangioma. These marks are also harmless but differ significantly in their characteristics and lifecycle compared to true hemangiomas. It’s best to consult a board-certified pediatric plastic surgeon to clarify what you’re dealing with.
Once you have a correct diagnosis, the next step is to create a plan. What if the hemangioma grows too large? What if it bleeds or causes skin issues? Please don’t panic—these are just possibilities. Most hemangiomas can be monitored until they naturally resolve over time, even those that are larger or located on the chest, belly, or limbs. However, if the birthmark is on your child’s face and pressing against her eye, removal might be an option worth exploring. I generally believe that surgical intervention is warranted only when it affects your child’s vision or causes noticeable disfigurement. Additionally, you might want to discuss the medication propranolol with your specialist, which has been shown to effectively manage hemangioma growth in infants. However, if the hemangioma isn’t impacting your child’s quality of life, I typically recommend a wait-and-see approach.
Final Thoughts
As a surgeon and a father, my biggest takeaway for you is this: You are not alone, and these birthmarks are not harmful. Approximately one in ten children will have a hemangioma at some point, making it quite common. Don’t hesitate to consult a specialist to allay your fears; in the meantime, take a deep breath. Your baby will be okay, and so will you. That’s a promise I stand by.
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Summary
Hemangiomas are common, benign birthmarks that usually resolve on their own by age five. They are not hereditary, toxic, or cancerous. Proper diagnosis and monitoring are essential, and consultation with a specialist can help ease parental concerns.