Hello, I'm a medical professional with a focus on pediatric dermatology. I can provide you with information on infantile hemangiomas.
Infantile hemangiomas are
benign tumors that are composed of
blood vessels. They are quite common, occurring in about 4 to 10 percent of infants, usually appearing within the first few weeks of life. These growths can vary in size and are often bright red or purple in color.
Most infantile hemangiomas follow a characteristic course. They tend to go through a period of rapid growth during the first
several months after birth, a period known as the
proliferative phase. After this phase, the growth usually slows down and the hemangioma enters a
resolution phase, which can last for several years. During this time, many hemangiomas gradually shrink and become less noticeable.
In fact, up to
90 percent of infantile hemangiomas will
resolve without medical treatment by the time the child is
5 to 7 years old. However, the outcome can vary. Some may leave behind
skin changes such as a slight depression or extra skin where the hemangioma was. In a small number of cases, they may require treatment if they are located in critical areas of the body, are particularly large, or if they are causing complications such as bleeding, infection, or interference with vital functions.
It's important to note that while most hemangiomas do resolve on their own, it's crucial to have them evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action.
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