What is hemangiomas?

Hemangiomas are raised birthmarks. They are clumps of blood vessels that didn't grow normally. They may be there at birth or may appear when a baby is several weeks old. Hemangiomas vary in size and color, including blue, red, or purple. They may grow on the skin or extend deeper into the body.

Hemangiomas usually don't cause symptoms. But they can sometimes cause problems with sight, breathing, hearing, speech, or movement. If they grow on an internal organ, such as the stomach, intestines, liver, or kidneys, they may cause problems with how well that organ works. In rare cases, hemangiomas may become sore, bleed, or get infected.

Your doctor usually can tell if you have a hemangioma by looking at its size, shape, and color. If your doctor thinks a hemangioma may be growing on an internal organ, you may get an imaging test, such as an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI.

Most hemangiomas don't need to be treated, because they're usually harmless or painless. And some of them may fade or disappear over time.

But some may need treatment if they:

• Grow quickly. For example, babies born with severe hemangiomas that are fast-growing need to be treated right away.
• Cause problems with sight, breathing, hearing, speech, or movement.
• Grow on internal organs such as the stomach, intestines, liver, or kidneys.
• Bleed or get infected.
• Bother you or your child because of how they look.

Hemangiomas may be treated with:

• Medicines, such as beta-blockers or corticosteroids. These may be taken by mouth, applied to the skin, or injected into the growth.
• Laser therapy. This involves aiming short bursts of light at the hemangioma to shrink it or cause it to stop growing. It's also used to treat hemangiomas that bleed or develop open sores.
• Surgery to remove them.

To care for a hemangioma:

• Keep the area clean and dry. Wash with a mild soap and warm (not hot) water. Don't scrub.
• Avoid irritating the area, and prevent infection.
  • Don't squeeze, scratch, or pick at the hemangioma. This could cause it to bleed and get infected. If it bleeds, cover the area with a clean pad and apply gentle pressure.
  • Keep fingernails trimmed to prevent scratching it.
  • Adjust clothing to avoid rubbing it.

If you or your child is bothered by how a hemangioma looks, you can make it less noticeable. For example:

• Wear a hat or scarf to cover ones on the head or neck.
• Style your hair a certain way to hide them on the forehead, head, or neck.
• Use clothing or special makeup, such as Dermablend, to cover it up.

If a hemangioma is bothering you or causing problems, talk to your doctor.