Strawberry Hemangioma Pictures - 18 Photos & Images

Hemangiomas are harmless growths that are the result of rapidly dividing cells of the blood vessel walls known as endothelial cells. They appear shortly after birth and grow rapidly during the first year of life. They usually resolve on their own over the next few years. Hemangiomas can be many different colors, depending on where they are located. Superficial hemangiomas (also known as strawberry hemangiomas, due to their red color) are located in the top layer of skin. Those in the deeper layer of skin are called deep (cavernous) hemangiomas, and they can be blue or colorless. Most hemangiomas are limited to the skin. Children with multiple hemangiomas may have associated internal lesions involving the liver, lungs, or other internal organs. These are more serious in nature and are usually followed more closely by your child's pediatrician.

Hemangiomas affect about 10% of infants, and the risk is about 5 times higher in females than males. White infants and premature infants are at an increased risk for hemangiomas, as are infants born to mothers with an abnormal placenta. The risk is also raised in infants of women who had chorionic villus sampling during their prenatal period.

Most hemangiomas of infancy appear within the first 2 weeks of life. They may begin as a bump on the skin or as a flat, reddish patch that may appear similar to a bruise. Hemangiomas grow very rapidly for weeks or months, usually peaking in size at 6–9 months, and form raised areas ranging in size from a few millimeters to centimeters. They are bright red with well-defined borders. If a hemangioma grows very large, it may be prone to bleeding spontaneously.

Typically, there are no self-care measures for hemangiomas, as they usually resolve without any treatment. It is important to note, though, that it can take several years for this to occur, and the color may not fade completely. Close observation for changes in the appearance is all that is needed. If the hemangioma does bleed, treatment with wet compresses and antibacterial ointment is usually sufficient. Bleeding hemangiomas need to be watched closely for infection.

Seek medical care if your infant's hemangioma changes in color, starts to bleed, appears infected, or appears to be blocking his or her vision, breathing, or feeding. Hemangiomas that are located in the diaper area or on the lower lip are particularly prone to bleeding, due to friction.

Be the first one to comment the pictures Strawberry Hemangioma

Related Albums