Home
Articles
Q&A

What are the causes of infantile hemangioma?

Jul 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, infantile hemangiomas may be caused by abnormal vascular development during the embryonic period, premature birth or low birth weight, maternal hormonal influences during pregnancy, abnormal proliferation of local vascular endothelial cells, or abnormal angiogenic factors. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. In daily life, parents should take care to protect the area of the newborn's hemangioma to avoid trauma and infection.

Generally, neonatal hemangiomas may be caused by abnormal vascular development during the embryonic period, premature birth or low birth weight, maternal hormonal influences during pregnancy, abnormal proliferation of local vascular endothelial cells, or abnormal vascular formation factors. If any discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Abnormal Vascular Development During the Embryonic Period

During embryonic development, transient abnormalities in the regulatory mechanisms of vascular formation may lead to abnormal proliferation of local vascular endothelial cells, resulting in hemangiomas. This is a common physiological developmental factor, and most hemangiomas gradually regress as the newborn grows. Parents should monitor the size and color changes of the hemangioma, avoid friction or trauma to the affected area, and maintain local skin cleanliness and dryness. Regular hospital visits for check-ups to monitor the hemangioma's progression are also recommended.

2. Premature Birth or Low Birth Weight

In preterm or low birth weight infants, vascular development is relatively immature, making vascular endothelial cell proliferation and differentiation prone to abnormalities, thereby increasing the risk of hemangioma formation. Parents should provide meticulous care, ensure proper warmth to prevent colds or illness, and feed appropriately to ensure adequate nutrition for optimal physical and vascular development. Regular health check-ups according to medical advice are necessary to monitor changes in the hemangioma.

3. Maternal Hormonal Influences During Pregnancy

Significant fluctuations in maternal estrogen and other hormone levels during pregnancy may affect fetal vascular development through placental transfer, stimulating vascular endothelial cell proliferation and triggering hemangiomas. Expectant mothers should maintain healthy lifestyle habits during pregnancy and avoid self-administering hormone-containing medications or supplements. After birth, parents should closely monitor the hemangioma. If rapid growth is observed, prompt medical notification is advised.

4. Abnormal Proliferation of Local Vascular Endothelial Cells

Local vascular endothelial cells may undergo excessive proliferation due to certain stimuli, leading to abnormal vascular structures and hemangioma formation, typically presenting as red patches or raised areas on the skin. If the hemangioma is small and shows no significant growth, observation alone may suffice. If treatment is required, topical medications such as timolol maleate eye drops, pimecrolimus cream, or recombinant human interferon α2b cream may be used under medical guidance to inhibit vascular endothelial cell proliferation. Strict adherence to medical instructions is essential, along with monitoring for skin reactions.

5. Abnormal Vascular Formation Factors

Disruption of the balance between angiogenic factors and inhibitory factors leads to excessive vascular formation, causing hemangiomas, which may be accompanied by rapid growth. Medical evaluation is necessary, and pharmacological treatment may be required, including oral propranolol tablets (dosage strictly adjusted according to weight), local injection of lauromacrogol solution, or sodium morrhuate injection. Regular follow-up during treatment to monitor hemangioma size and the newborn's general condition is essential. Any abnormal reactions should be promptly reported to the physician.

In daily life, parents should protect the newborn's hemangioma area from trauma or infection. Dress the infant in soft, loose clothing to minimize friction on the hemangioma site.

Related Articles

View All
Why does hemangioma turn red after applying timolol hydrochloride?
Drug allergy reaction: Allergic to the ingredient carteolol hydrochloride, which upon contact triggers localized allergic inflammation, manifesting as redness, itching, and rash; in severe cases, blisters may develop. Discontinue the medication immediately. After physician evaluation, topical calamine lotion or hydrocortisone butyrate cream may be applied, and oral loratadine tablets taken to relieve the allergic symptoms. A revised treatment plan should be adopted thereafter.
avatar
Dr. Li Feng
View Full Answer
What should be done if a child's hemangioma keeps growing larger?
Hemangiomas in children may gradually grow larger. Management options include regular monitoring, medication, laser therapy, local injection treatment, and surgical intervention, with the choice of approach depending on the type, location, and size of the hemangioma. Immediate medical attention is recommended if the hemangioma grows rapidly, compresses surrounding tissues, or develops ulceration and bleeding. For small hemangiomas that cause no discomfort and grow slowly, conservative observation may be appropriate.
avatar
Dr. Wang Lei
View Full Answer
What should be done about hemangioma in newborns?
Hemangiomas in newborns can be managed through professional evaluation and monitoring, topical medication, precise laser therapy, local injection of sclerosing agents, or surgical excision. Most benign hemangiomas have a good prognosis. Immediate medical attention is recommended if the hemangioma is located in a special area, grows rapidly, or develops ulceration. Neonatal hemangiomas are mostly benign.
avatar
Dr. Wang Lei
View Full Answer
What is a benign hemangioma?
In general, benign hemangiomas may be caused by abnormal embryonic development, hormonal changes, vascular endothelial cell proliferation, local tissue hypoxia, or trauma. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, avoid scratching or rubbing the affected area to prevent injury and bleeding.
avatar
Dr. Wang Lei
View Full Answer
What is hemangioma, and what should be done about it?
In general, hemangiomas may be caused by abnormal embryonic development, hormonal fluctuations, strawberry hemangiomas, cavernous hemangiomas, or arteriovenous (racemose) hemangiomas. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through conservative management, medication, or other treatments. In daily life, it is important to protect the area with the hemangioma, avoiding trauma or pressure that could lead to rupture and bleeding.
avatar
Dr. Wang Lei
View Full Answer
What are the several causes that trigger the development of hemangiomas?
Some hemangiomas show a familial clustering tendency, and genetic abnormalities may increase the risk of developing the condition. Hereditary factors may affect the regulatory mechanisms of vascular development, leading to disruptions in the process of blood vessel formation and thus triggering hemangiomas. During embryonic development, abnormalities in the formation of the vascular system—such as abnormal proliferation of vascular buds or incomplete differentiation of vascular structures—may occur.
avatar
Dr. Liu Wenmin
View Full Answer
What is splenic hemangioma and is it serious?
In most cases, splenic hemangiomas are common benign vascular tumors of the spleen. Most splenic hemangiomas are small in size, grow slowly, and are asymptomatic. They do not invade surrounding tissues or undergo malignant transformation, thus having no significant impact on health. These hemangiomas are often incidentally detected during routine physical examinations. No specific treatment is required; regular follow-up monitoring for changes is sufficient, and they do not affect normal daily life or life expectancy.
avatar
Dr. Liu Wenmin
View Full Answer
What is the interventional therapy for hemangioma?
For hemangiomas that are large in size, deeply located, or unsuitable for surgical removal, interventional therapy offers distinct advantages. Under image guidance, a catheter is inserted into the affected blood vessel to deliver embolic agents that block the blood supply, causing the hemangioma to gradually shrink due to lack of nutrition. Alternatively, medications can be injected to destroy abnormal vascular endothelial cells, thereby achieving effective disease control.
avatar
Dr. Liu Wenmin
View Full Answer
彩牛养生

Your trusted source for health information and wellness guidance.

Quick Links

Resources

Connect

© 2024 HealthPortal. All rights reserved.