Strawberry hemangiomas are birth marks, which have the potential to grow rapidly within the first year of the life of an infant. These spots are most commonly seen on the face, chest and other upper body locations. New born girls are five times more prone to get affected by strawberry hemangiomas in comparison to infant boys. There is no pain associated with hemangioma, and most signs disappear by the time a child reaches the age of 5. However, some children might experience some major symptoms, if the location of the marks interferes with vital organs, especially the eyes.

They grow very rapidly within the first year, and become quite noticeable thereafter. They tend to run in families. The fact that the spots are the first noticeable feature of your child might concern most parents. Although their cause is unknown, they heal on their own, once the child starts entering the teenage phase of his or her life.

There are some cases where strawberry hemangioma would need special treatments for cure. Let’s examine these cases and the treatments one can undertake to cure strawberry hemangiomas.

Doctor’s Prescription

Nine out of ten times, strawberry hemangiomas shrink and exit on their own. However, in cases where they interfere with a vital body organ, a doctor’s prescription is a must for cure. Based on the affected organ, and severity of the problem, a doctor will conduct certain tests, and accordingly devise a treatment plan for the sufferer.

Corticosteroids

Although not amongst the list of safe methods due to possible side effects, corticosteroids can be injected or taken orally for hemangiomas cure. One needs to consult a good doctor before starting any kind of prescription on their own.

Laser Surgery

Lasers surgery is another means to get rid of strawberry hemangiomas. This method can be used to stunt or evacuate the growth of hemangiomas. Although affective in treating strawberry hemangiomas, one always runs the risk of side effects with this method, which is why it is advisable to try other means before jumping into the doctor’s bed for surgery. Infection, pain and skin defects in the affected area are few common risks one can experience post surgery. Also this method is expensive, and can involve a series of treatments for complete cure.

In most cases, strawberry hemangiomas do not lead to any kind of functional difficulties. In rare cases, when they pose problems, one can adapt any of the above measures for cure.

Strawberry hemangiomas can also work adversely on children, especially when they start noticing that they look different from other children of their age. Some children may have only one mark, while some are born with several visible marks. This might invite negative and depressing feelings in them. In such cases, parents should educate them about these marks, and let them know that it is only a temporary situation they are dealing with. Any other kind of positive therapy should work well in lifting their spirits, and to help them combat this temporary problem.

Rick Missimer

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