What You Need to Know About Hemangioma

As many as two of every 100 babies -- mostly girls, twins and preemies -- develop a birthmark condition known as hemangioma within the first few months of life. What is it? Hemangioma describes a variety of blood-vessel growths on baby's skin, usually on the head, neck and trunk. They can be flat or raised, large and disfiguring or small and barely noticeable. They usually show in the first six weeks as a red patch or raised dot. They grow for about a year; mostly stay smaller than 1 inch. Does it need treatment? Most hemangiomas eventually fade and shrink between the ages of 3 and 10. However, a pediatric dermatologist may recommend removing the birthmarks if they for near vital parts such as the eyes, ears and mouth. Talk to your baby's pediatrician about the proper course of action for your child.