Strawberry Birthmarks in Infants

Strawberry birthmark or hemangioma is a vascular mark that appears like a red swelling on the bodies of newborns. Most often, it is not noticed at the time of birth, and starts appearing in the second or third week after birth.

Its size increases very quickly until the child is 8-10 months old, and it can grow to a size of 5-7 cm in diameter, acquiring the shape and color of a strawberry.

These birthmarks are benign tumors caused due to the unnatural presence of excess blood vessels in the skin. Although the exact reason for the appearance of these extra blood vessels is not known, it is said that they are the result of a type of protein produced during pregnancy. Sometimes, the birthmarks are hereditary in nature.

These are of two types: superficial hemangioma and cavernous hemangioma. Superficial hemangioma are marks that appear on the surface of an infant's skin, whereas cavernous hemangioma are those marks, which are found internally. Usually, a child has only one mark. However, there are cases wherein multiple birthmarks are seen.

Superficial hemangioma can appear anywhere on the infant's body, but is usually seen on the head, face, or neck. It acquires full size until the baby is 10 months old, and then begins to subside. In most cases, it totally disappears before the child turns 5.

However, sometimes it may remain till he or she attains teenage, leaving a faint scar or a slight discoloration. This is normally not harmful or painful for a baby. However, 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.

Cavernous hemangioma, on the other hand, is internal. Hence, it may affect the internal organs like the lungs, liver, or other organs according to its location in the body. Angiography is an effective method for detecting this condition.

Strawberry birthmarks are most commonly seen in female babies, than in male ones. Also, children who are born prematurely, or those with low weight are at a higher risk of developing them. It is also observed that Caucasian (white) children are more prone to it than children from other cultures.

There is a difference of opinion regarding the treatment for these birthmarks. While certain practitioners advise not to bother, and allow them to subside on their own, others emphasize on treating them as soon as they appear, in order to avoid future complications in the infant's growth.

• Normally, hemangioma subsides without any kind of treatment. However, if it affects certain bodily functions, there are ways in which it can be removed.
• Laser treatment is most commonly used in such cases.

• Sometimes, corticosteroids are injected or given orally to stop the growth of these birthmarks.
• Another method is cryosurgery where the growth is frozen, thus putting it to an end.
• Plastic surgery is usually the last option. It can also be done to remove the scars left by the hemangioma.

Treatment for strawberry hemangioma may cause severe side effects, leading to high blood pressure, or even retarding the growth of the child.

Even though hemangioma isn't 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.

They may also be worried about the fact that their child would be teased by peers, which may severely affect their self-confidence. As even doctors cannot surely tell as to when the it will subside, parents are concerned about the course of action.

Parents of a child with strawberry birthmarks should research well, and preferably take a second opinion, before choosing any plan of action. Rather than focusing only on the physical appearance of the infant, they should first make sure that the treatment they choose does not prove dangerous to the health of their little one.