Version July 2025
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What is a hemangioma? —
This is a growth that forms in the body when the blood vessels in that area grow in an abnormal way. Hemangiomas most often form on the skin and are usually pink or red, or purple (picture 1 and picture 2). Most of the time, they are not harmful.
Hemangiomas are most common in children. They are not usually visible at birth. Instead, they usually show up during the first few days or months of life. They can appear on any part of the body, but they are most common on the head or face. When they first appear, they can grow very quickly. Later, they usually shrink and eventually disappear.
Are hemangiomas painful or uncomfortable? —
Not usually. They can look scary, but they don't usually cause any harm. In rare cases, though, they can form sores, bleed, or get infected. When hemangiomas form inside the body, they can cause serious problems.
Should I see a doctor or nurse? —
Yes, if your child develops a new growth on their body, see a doctor or nurse. They will examine your child, and figure out what's wrong and if any treatment is needed.
How are hemangiomas treated? —
Most do not need treatment and go away on their own after some time.
In some cases, doctors will treat a hemangioma if it:
●Is very large or located in a part of the body where it can cause health problems, such as near the eye or in the liver
●Could cause permanent harm to the child's appearance
●Gets sore, starts bleeding, or gets infected
When treatment is needed, doctors can prescribe a medicine called "propranolol" to shrink the hemangioma or keep it from growing. They usually start the medicine as early as possible. That's because hemangiomas tend to grow faster right after they first appear.
In some cases, doctors recommend surgery to remove a hemangioma, or laser treatment to make it less visible.
What can I do on my own to help my child? —
The most important thing you can do is to help your child feel normal. Having a hemangioma can be hard for a child. Other people (especially other children) might stare or draw attention to your child.
When will my child's hemangioma go away? —
It is hard to predict. But generally:
●50 percent of hemangiomas go away by age 5 years
●70 percent go away by age 7
●90 percent go away by age 9
Your child's skin might not look completely normal even after the hemangioma shrinks. Still, doctors usually recommend waiting to see what happens to your child's skin before starting treatments that might not be necessary.
