Infantile Hemangioma
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
An infantile hemangioma (IH) is a common growth found on an infant's skin. It usually appears 1 to 2 months after birth. The cause of an IH is unknown. An IH may happen when blood vessels grow together in one area of your infant's skin. Your infant may be at risk for an IH if he or she was born early or had a low birth weight. Your infant may also be at risk for an IH if he or she has a family member with an IH. Most hemangiomas are harmless and get better without treatment.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- Your infant has trouble breathing.
Call your infant's doctor if:
- Your infant has a fever.
- Your infant's IH is bleeding.
- Your infant has a new IH on or near his or her eye, mouth, rectum, penis, or vagina.
- Your infant's IH changes in color or looks crusty.
- Your infant has trouble eating or swallowing because of the IH.
- Your infant cries more than usual.
- Your infant's IH is draining pus or looks more swollen.
- You have questions or concerns about your infant's condition or care.
Treatment for IH:
Most hemangiomas will shrink and disappear without treatment. This usually happens before your child is 5 to 9 years of age. If your infant's IH prevents him or her from eating, breathing, hearing, or seeing, it will be removed. The IH may be removed if it becomes an open sore, infected, or bleeds heavily. Medicines, laser therapy, or surgery may be used to shrink or remove the IH.
Follow up with your infant's doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your child's visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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