Infantile hemangiomas are a type of vascular tumor.These are skin abnormalities consisting of densely packed blood vessels. Theyare most commonly seen as red swellings/growths on the skin and can sometimesresemble a strawberry (hence the nickname "strawberry marks").
Infantile hemangiomas first appear in the earlymonths of the first year of life and develop rapidly. They are harmless andoften do not require treatment. In fact, most of them gradually regress and disappear by school age. Treatment istherefore unnecessary. However, if they are located near the eyes, nose, andmouth or cause discomfort to the child, treatment may be necessary.
The treatment involves a type of heart medication(beta-blocker) that causes the infantile hemangioma to shrink.
Capillary malformations are a type of vascular malformation. They are always present from birth, grow proportionally with the child, and usually do not disappear, unlike infantile hemangiomas. The most common types of capillary malformations appear as pinkish spots on the skin and are often referred to as "stork bites" or "angel kisses". They are present in 30-80% of all newborns. Typical locations include the forehead, between the eyebrows, eyelids, back of the head/neck, and lower back. When the child is active or crying, they can become more prominent due to increased blood circulation in the malformation. They are not dangerous and rarely require treatment. If they are located on the face, they also tend to disappear within 1-3 years. The others often remain throughout life.
There are also deeper red and purple variations of capillary malformations known as "port-wine stains". These occur in less than 1% of newborns and are usually located on the face. Such capillary malformations can darken and become lumpy over the years. Treatment with laser, especially for those located on the face, is an option to reduce the color and even out the surface. Usually, repeated laser treatments over months and years are necessary. Laser treatment of young children is performed under anesthesia.
Capillary malformations, especially port-wine stains, can rarely be part of various syndromes where changes in the eyes, brain, arms, and legs may occur.
There are several other vascular malformations, such as venous, arteriovenous, and lymphatic malformations. These are rarer and are often investigated, treated, and monitored in hospitals. The treatment for these conditions is tailored to each individual patient and planned through interdisciplinary meetings between doctors with different areas of expertise.
