What should I do if my baby has a hemangioma?

Infantile hemangiomas can be managed through close observation, topical medications, laser therapy, local injections, or surgical treatment. Most benign hemangiomas improve naturally with growth; the priority is to protect the infant's skin and organ function. Immediate medical attention is recommended if the hemangioma grows rapidly, ulcerates with bleeding, or affects breathing or feeding.

1. Close observation: For small, superficial hemangiomas without symptoms, regularly monitor and record changes in size and color. Many regress spontaneously by ages 1–5 and do not require early intervention, thus avoiding unnecessary irritation to the infant’s skin.

2. Topical medications: For superficial hemangiomas with slow growth, mild beta-blocker creams may be applied under medical supervision to inhibit blood vessel proliferation. This approach is simple and highly safe, but dosage must be strictly followed, and care should be taken to prevent contact with the eyes.

3. Laser therapy: For bright red, superficial hemangiomas affecting appearance, low-energy precision lasers are used to destroy abnormal blood vessels, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy skin. After treatment, maintain local moisturization and sun protection to support skin recovery.

4. Local injection therapy: For deeper or larger hemangiomas, low-concentration medication is precisely injected into the lesion to reduce its size. This procedure should be performed by experienced physicians to minimize tissue irritation and reduce adverse reactions.

5. Surgical excision: For hemangiomas that grow rapidly, compress vital organs (such as airways or eyes), or become ulcerated and difficult to heal, minimally invasive surgery may be used to remove the lesion. Postoperative wound care is essential to prevent infection and scarring.

In daily care, dress infants in soft, loose clothing to avoid friction on the hemangioma area. Gently clean the area with lukewarm water and keep the skin dry. Regularly measure the hemangioma and document any changes.