Haemangioma in Newborn: What Parents Need to Know

INTRODUCTION

You’ve been picturing your baby’s face in great detail for nine months. You then see a tiny, flat, red mark on their sensitive skin during the first few days or weeks of life. It might be on their scalp, back, or cheek. It may appear to grow as the days go by, getting a little higher or more colorful. You get a wave of anxiety: What is this? Did I make a mistake? Is it risky?

If you recognize this, please inhale deeply. You’re not by yourself. In many cases, this mark turns out to be a haemangioma in newborn, medically known as an infantile haemangioma—a common, benign growth of blood vessels that is often referred to as a strawberry hemangioma in infants. The most crucial thing to understand is that the great majority of these are entirely harmless, tend to fade over time, and usually don’t require any treatment other than careful observation.

This guide is designed to replace fear with clarity by helping parents understand haemangioma in newborns through clear, easy-to-follow explanations. The information shared here is based on guidance from trusted medical organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and Mayo Clinic. We’ll walk through the different types of these vascular marks, why they occur, and what you can realistically expect as your baby grows. Most importantly, you’ll learn the clear warning signs that indicate when it’s time to speak with your pediatrician, along with an overview of modern treatment options that may be recommended in specific cases. Let’s begin with the fundamentals.

What Is Haemangioma in Newborn?

In the simplest terms, a haemangioma (also spelled hemangioma) is a benign (non-cancerous) growth made up of extra blood vessels. It is the most common benign vascular growth of infancy. Think of it as a small bundle of capillaries that grows a little more than it should.

Key facts to remember:

It is not cancer and has an extremely low risk of ever becoming cancerous.
It is not caused by anything you did or didn’t do during pregnancy.
It often appears within the first 1-4 weeks of life, though sometimes a small pale or red patch is visible at birth.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), infantile hemangiomas affect up to 5% of infants, making them a very common occurrence in newborns.

It’s a type of birthmark, but it has a unique life cycle that sets it apart from other marks like port-wine stains or moles.

Types of Haemangioma in Babies

Not all haemangiomas look the same. Doctors classify them based on when they appear and how deep they are in the skin.

Type	Description	Common Appearance
Infantile Haemangioma	The most common type (makes up over 90% of cases). It appears after birth, grows for months, and then slowly fades over years.	Starts as a faint red mark, often becoming raised, bright red, and bumpy (like a strawberry).
Congenital Haemangioma	A rarer type that is fully formed at birth. It does not grow after birth and follows one of two paths.	RICH: Rapidly Involuting. Starts to shrink quickly in the first year. NICH: Non-Involuting. Remains stable and does not go away.
Superficial (Cutaneous)	Grows in the top layers of the skin.	Bright red, raised, and may have a clear border. The classic “strawberry” look.
Deep (Subcutaneous)	Grows under the skin, in the fat layer.	Bluish or skin-colored swelling that may feel warm. The overlying skin often looks normal.
Mixed	Has both superficial and deep components.	A raised red area with a deeper, bluish swelling underneath.

What Causes Haemangioma in Newborn?

The exact, single cause of infantile hemangiomas remains unknown. Researchers believe it involves a combination of factors related to blood vessel formation in the womb. However, several risk factors have been identified through research:

Premature Birth & Low Birth Weight: The incidence is higher in babies born prematurely, especially those with very low birth weight.
Gender: Girls are 3-5 times more likely to develop them than boys.
Multiple Pregnancies: Twins, triplets, etc.
Family History: A slight increased chance if there’s a family history.
Maternal Age & Other Factors: Some studies suggest a link to advanced maternal age, placenta previa, and preeclampsia.

Crucial Reassurance for Parents: The Mayo Clinic states that there is no known way to prevent hemangiomas. Most importantly, they are NOT caused by anything the mother ate, did, or was exposed to during pregnancy. There is no blame or fault to be found.

Stages of Haemangioma Growth

Understanding the natural life cycle of a hemangioma can be very reassuring. It typically goes through three predictable phases:

Proliferation Phase (Growth): This is the phase that often alarms parents. The hemangioma grows rapidly, usually from about 1 month to 5-9 months of age. Most growth is done by 9 months, though deep hemangiomas may grow a little longer.
Plateau Phase: Growth stops. The hemangioma remains stable in size and appearance for several months.
Involution Phase (Shrinking): This is the “going away” phase. The hemangioma slowly begins to fade and shrink. Involution is a slow process, measured in years, not weeks. According to the AAP, about 50% are resolved by age 5, 70% by age 7, and 90% by age 9. The fading often starts in the center, turning a grayish-white.

Is Haemangioma in Newborn Dangerous?

For the overwhelming majority of babies, the answer is a resounding no. Most infantile hemangiomas are small, uncomplicated, and simply a cosmetic concern that resolves with time.

However, there are specific situations where a hemangioma can cause complications and requires medical evaluation. The main concerns are location, size, and behavior.

Seek medical attention if the hemangioma is:

Near the eyes: Can obstruct vision and lead to amblyopia (lazy eye).
On the nose, lips, or ears: May distort growth of delicate structures.
In the “beard area” (jawline, chin, neck): This can be associated with a hemangioma inside the airway, which can affect breathing (a rare but serious complication).
Over the lower spine: Could be linked to spinal cord issues.
Very large or in certain locations: May be part of a syndrome (like PHACES) that affects other organs.
Ulcerated or Bleeding: The skin over the hemangioma breaks down, forming an open sore. This is painful, risks infection, and can lead to scarring.
Interfering with Feeding or Bodily Functions.

When Should Parents See a Doctor?

Trust your instincts, but also look for these clear warning signs. You should consult your pediatrician or a pediatric dermatologist if your baby’s hemangioma:

Grows very rapidly in the first few weeks of life.
Is located on the face (especially near eyes, nose, lips), neck, or diaper area.
Develops an open sore (ulceration), scab, or bleeds.
Shows signs of infection (pus, increased redness, warmth, fever).
Is larger than a few centimeters.
You have any concerns about your baby’s breathing, feeding, or vision.

A simple rule: Any hemangioma that causes functional problems, is ulcerated, or is in a high-risk location should be evaluated by a professional. Early referral can lead to simpler, more effective treatment.

Treatment Options for Haemangioma in Babies

⚠️ Important Medical Disclaimer: The following information is for educational purposes only. All treatment decisions MUST be made in consultation with your child’s doctor, pediatric dermatologist, or other qualified specialist. Do not attempt any treatment without professional guidance.

Observation (Watchful Waiting): This is the most common “treatment.” For uncomplicated hemangiomas, the doctor will recommend regular monitoring, often with photographs, to track its natural involution.
Oral Beta-Blockers (e.g., Propranolol): This is the first-line medication for hemangiomas that require treatment. Propranolol is highly effective at stopping growth and speeding up shrinkage. Treatment is usually started during the growth phase and requires careful monitoring by a doctor for side effects like low heart rate or blood sugar.
Topical Beta-Blockers (Timolol Gel): For small, thin, superficial hemangiomas, a beta-blocker in gel form can be applied directly to the skin.
Laser Therapy: Pulsed-dye laser can help with ulcerated hemangiomas (to promote healing and reduce pain) and with treating residual redness or surface blood vessels after involution.
Surgery: This is reserved for specific cases, such as: a hemangioma that has not responded to medication, one that is obstructing a vital function, or to remove residual sagging skin after a large hemangioma has shrunk.

Haemangioma vs Birthmark

Many parents wonder how a hemangioma differs from other common birthmarks. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Infantile Haemangioma	Common “Flat” Birthmarks (e.g., Salmon Patch, Port-Wine Stain)
Cause	Benign tumor of blood vessels.	Malformation or clustering of blood vessels or pigment cells.
Appearance	Often raised, bright red, rubbery bump. Can be deep (bluish).	Flat, smooth patches. Salmon patches are pink; port-wine stains are dark red/purple.
Growth Pattern	Dynamic: Appears after birth, grows rapidly, then slowly shrinks over years.	Static: Present at birth and generally grows proportionally with the child. Does not involute.
Treatment Needs	Often just observation. May need treatment if in a risky location or complicated.	Observation for salmon patches (most fade). Port-wine stains often require laser treatment to prevent darkening/thickening.

Will Haemangioma Leave a Scar?

This is a common and valid concern. The outcome varies:

Small, uncomplicated hemangiomas that involute naturally often leave little to no trace. There may be slightly pale, stretched, or wrinkled skin, but this often continues to improve over the years.
Ulcerated or very large hemangiomas have a higher risk of leaving permanent changes, such as scarring, loose skin, or discoloration.
Early treatment (especially with beta-blockers) for problematic hemangiomas is aimed at minimizing these long-term cosmetic effects by stopping growth before it causes significant skin damage.

FAQs (Answer Clearly)

Q: Is haemangioma painful for newborns?
A: Typically, no. A simple, intact hemangioma is not painful. However, if it ulcerates (forms an open sore), it can be quite painful and requires medical care.

Q: Does haemangioma go away on its own?
A: Yes. Most infantile hemangiomas undergo natural involution (shrinking) starting in the first year of life, with significant fading over the next several years.

Q: Is haemangioma cancerous?
A: No. Infantile hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors. They are not cancer and do not turn into cancer.

Q: How long does haemangioma last?
A: While the active growth phase lasts about 6-9 months, the complete involution process takes years. Many are significantly better by age 3-4, with continued improvement up to age 10.

Q: Can haemangioma come back after disappearing?
A: True recurrence after complete involution is very rare. Sometimes, what seems like a return is residual redness or texture that becomes more noticeable with crying or temperature changes.

Expert Advice for Parents

Monitor, Don’t Panic: Take monthly photos against a consistent background to track growth. This is incredibly helpful for your doctor.
Avoid Home Remedies: Do not apply any creams, essential oils, or home treatments not approved by your doctor. They can irritate the skin.
Keep Regular Pediatric Checkups: Your pediatrician will check the hemangioma during well-child visits.
Protect the Area: If the hemangioma is on the surface, protect it from injury. Use gentle clothing and avoid scratching.
Seek Emotional Support: It’s okay to worry about your child’s appearance. Connect with support groups or talk to your doctor about your concerns.

Final Thoughts

Discovering a hemangioma on your newborn can be startling, but armed with accurate information, you can navigate this journey with confidence. Remember, the vast majority of infantile hemangiomas are harmless, self-resolving quirks of your baby’s development. They are not your fault.

Your role is to be a loving observer and a proactive advocate. Monitor the spot, know the warning signs, and maintain open communication with your pediatrician. For the small percentage of cases that need intervention, modern medicine has safe and highly effective treatments.

Focus on the joy of your new baby. With time and, when necessary, expert guidance, this small red mark will likely become just a faint memory in the beautiful story of your child’s growth.

Medical Review Disclaimer & EEAT Commitment

This article is intended for informational purposes only and is based on current medical guidelines and research. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information was compiled referencing trusted authorities in pediatrics, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Clinical Report on Infantile Hemangiomas and the Mayo Clinic overview of the condition. Always seek the advice of your pediatrician, pediatric dermatologist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your child’s health.

References

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2023). Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Infantile Hemangiomas. Pediatrics.
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Infantile Hemangioma: Symptoms & Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the direct advice of your child’s pediatrician, a pediatric dermatologist, or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your child’s health or a specific medical condition like a hemangioma. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. Treatment decisions must be made on an individual basis by qualified medical professionals.

Also read this article “Learn more about thermoregulation in preterm newborns and other specialized care considerations.”

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Haemangioma in Newborn: Causes, Types, Treatment & When to Worry