infant strawberry birthmarks

Strawberry birthmark or hemangioma is a vascular birthmark that appears like a red swelling on the bodies of newborns. Causes of Strawberry Birthmarks Strawberry birthmarks are benign tumors caused due to the presence of excess, unnatural blood vessels in the skin. Sometimes, strawberry birthmarks are hereditary in nature. Types of Strawberry Birthmarks Strawberry birthmarks are of two types: superficial hemangiomas and cavernous hemangiomas. Usually, a child has only one strawberry birthmark, however there are cases wherein multiple birthmarks are seen. Superficial hemangiomas are normally not harmful or painful for a baby, but if the birthmark is near the eyes, nose, mouth or on the diaper area, it may affect the infant's sight, breathing, eating or may also cause difficulty in passing feces. Treatment for Strawberry Birthmarks There is a difference of opinion regarding the treatment for strawberry birthmarks. While certain practitioners advice not to bother about these birthmarks and allow them to subside on their own, others emphasize on treating the birthmark as soon as it appears, in order to avoid future complications in the infant's growth. Normally, strawberry birthmarks or hemangiomas subside without any kind of treatment. Laser treatment is most commonly used for treating strawberry birthmarks. Even though strawberry birthmarks or hemangiomas are not dangerous, parents may be horrified to see this ugly-looking growth on their infant's body. They may become distressed when this birthmark appears on the baby's face, thinking that it may disfigure the child's appearance. As even doctors cannot surely tell as to when the birthmark will subside, parents are concerned about the course of action that they should be taken. infant strawberry birthmarks infant strawberry birthmarks