Author: Dr Stanley Leong, Dermatology and Paediatric Registrar, Christchurch (May 2023) Reviewing dermatologist: Dr Ian Coulson
Edited by the DermNet content department
This 3-month old infant presented with a rapidly growing lesion on the back of her ear. The plaque is bright red, non-pulsatile, and non-tender.
She also has another similar lesion on her anterior abdomen.
Infantile haemangiomas (IH) are the most common benign vascular skin tumour in children. They are caused by proliferating vascular endothelial cells.
They usually appear shortly after birth (rarely at birth), and grow rapidly in the first 6 months. Most IH stop growing by 6-9 months. They involute over years.
Most IH do not require treatment as they usually involute with time. Depending on the location, size, and presence of ulceration, some require treatment.
Treatment with beta blockers (oral propranolol) has now replaced oral corticosteroids as the gold standard treatment for complicated or ulcerated IH.
The earlier treatment is commenced, the more effective it is likely to be in preventing further growth.
Other treatment options include:
