Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Capillary hemangioma
Introduction
Overview
Overview
A capillary hemangioma (also known as an “Infantile hemangioma,” and “Strawberry hemangioma”[1]:593) appears as a raised, red, lumpy area of flesh anywhere on the body, though 83% occur on the head or neck area.[2] The mark usually appears between one and four weeks after birth.[3] It may grow rapidly, before stopping and slowly fading. Some are gone by the age of 2 , about 60% by 5 years, and 90–95% by 9 years.[3]
Capillary hemangiomas occur 5 times more often in female infants than in males, and mostly in Caucasian populations.[4][2] Additionally, low birthweight infants have a 26% chance of developing a hemangioma.[4][2]
While this birthmark may be alarming in appearance, physicians generally counsel that it be left to disappear on its own, unless it is in the way of vision or blocking the nostrils.[3]
References
References
- ↑ James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). Andrews’ Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. (10th ed.). Saunders. ISBN 0721629210.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 “Hemangioma Information”. Vascular Birthmark Foundation. Retrieved 2008-08-02.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 “Birthmarks”. Parenting and Child Health website. Retrieved 2008-08-02.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 “Birthmarks”. American Academy of Dermatology. Retrieved 2008-08-02.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]