Infantile Haemangioma

Haemangiomas are usually not obvious at birth but become apparent after a few days or weeks of life.

They grow rapidly in the first four to five months, and then undergo a ‘rest period’ where the growth slows or stops.

After about one year of life, haemangiomas starts to shrink and become lighter in colour. This shrinkage occurs at a rate of approximately ten percent per year.

After it goes away, the skin may not be entirely normal. Possible residual skin changes occurring over the site of the haemangioma include visible small blood vessels (telangiectasias), uneven skin texture and colour, and scarring.

Haemangiomas around the eye may cause problems with vision. Those around the mouth may cause feeding problems.

Large haemangiomas on the jaw line ("beard" distribution) may be associated with involvement of the airways, leading to breathing problems.

Large haemangiomas on the head and neck region may be associated with brain, eye or heart abnormalities (PHACES syndrome). Further tests may be required to exclude these problems.

Large haemangiomas on the groin region may be associated with genital or spinal problems (pelvis syndrome). Further tests may be required to exclude these problems.

Some larger haemangiomas, especially those in the groin region may bleed or ulcerate, causing pain and scarring.

Babies having five or more haemangiomas may have haemangiomas in the liver. They may also have thyroid abnormalities. Your child’s doctor will discuss with you regarding further tests to exclude these problems.