Red marks on a newborn's skin often alarm parents. Some resolve on their own over time, while others require monitoring by a specialist. The difference between them lies in the type of vascular birthmark, and it is determined by a doctor, not by a photo on the internet.
What a hemangioma in a newborn is
A hemangioma is a benign formation made of blood vessel cells that appears before or shortly after birth. Doctors divide vascular birthmarks into several types. Infantile hemangioma occurs in 2–10% of children, more often in girls, and in most cases is located in the head and neck area. Congenital hemangioma is distinguished separately: it forms in utero and has already reached its maximum size by the time of birth.
Infantile hemangioma: why it appears
The exact cause has not been fully established. It is known that the vessel cells of such a hemangioma are identical to placental cells and give a positive reaction to glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1) — this is one of the diagnostic criteria. Predisposing factors include the child's sex, low birth weight, viral illnesses in the mother during pregnancy, intrauterine hypoxia, and multiple pregnancy. There is no prevention.
What a hemangioma looks like in an infant and child
The superficial form is a bright red raised "strawberry" mark made of closely spaced small vessels. The deep form is hidden in the thickness of the skin and subcutaneous fat, so it shows through with a bluish or purple tint. The combined form combines both variants. By area of involvement, focal, multifocal, and segmental hemangiomas are distinguished. Not to be confused with simple spots: flat pink marks on the eyelids, forehead, and back of the head are "stork bites"; they are present in almost half of newborns and usually fade by age two.
Hemangioma on a child's face: what to watch for
Location changes the monitoring approach. A formation near the eye can affect vision (amblyopia, strabismus), in the area of the nose or ear it can destroy cartilage, and in the laryngeal lumen it can, in rare cases, obstruct breathing. Complications include ulceration, infection, and bleeding. That is why a mark near the eye, nose, or mouth should be shown to a doctor without delay.
How a hemangioma changes over time
Infantile hemangioma has life cycles. In the first weeks, active growth begins, continues until 5–6 months, and may last until 9–12 months. Then a plateau occurs, followed by involution, that is, reverse development, which takes years. Most such formations disappear by age 7–9, sometimes leaving a slight change in color or skin. Congenital hemangioma does not grow after birth and may shrink on its own.
How a hemangioma is diagnosed and when to see a doctor
The diagnosis is made by appearance. A specialist consultation and ultrasound are sufficient for confirmation; CT, MRI, and angiography are rarely used when the picture is unclear. You should see a doctor if something worries the parent, the mark is located close to the eye, nose, or mouth, has become larger, darker, or denser, is painful, and also if there are six or more café-au-lait spots or a large congenital nevus. The doctor then decides whether a referral to a dermatologist is needed.
- Growth or thickening of the formation
- Location near the eyes, nose, mouth
- Pain, ulceration, bleeding
- Six or more café-au-lait spots
- Large congenital nevus
A hemangioma by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. Call 103 or 112 if the child has difficulty breathing or severe bleeding that does not stop.
This material is for reference: it explains the logic of diagnosis but does not replace an examination by a doctor who has seen your child.
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This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer