An infantile haemangioma is a benign growth made up of extra blood vessels. It may be faint or absent at birth, become visible during the first weeks of life and grow quickly during the early months. Many gradually shrink over several years and need observation rather than treatment.
What does it look like?
A superficial haemangioma is usually bright red and raised. It is sometimes called a strawberry mark. A deeper haemangioma may look blue or skin-coloured and feel like a soft swelling. Some have both superficial and deep parts.
How it develops
Infantile haemangiomas usually have a growth phase followed by a slow shrinking phase. The timing and final appearance vary. They are different from vascular malformations, which are present at birth and grow in proportion with the child.
Diagnosis
A clinician can usually diagnose an infantile haemangioma from its appearance and pattern of growth. Ultrasound, imaging or specialist review may be needed when the diagnosis is uncertain, the lesion is unusually large or deep, or internal involvement is suspected.
When specialist assessment is important
Early assessment is important for a haemangioma that:
- is close to the eye or affects vision
- involves the nose, ear, lip, mouth or airway
- interferes with breathing or feeding
- grows rapidly or covers a large area of the face or scalp
- breaks down, forms an ulcer, bleeds repeatedly or appears infected
- occurs as five or more separate skin lesions
Large facial haemangiomas and multiple lesions may require assessment for associated conditions or haemangiomas inside the body.
Treatment
Many uncomplicated haemangiomas only need photographs and regular review. When treatment is needed, oral propranolol is commonly used to slow growth and encourage shrinking. It must be prescribed and monitored by an experienced clinical team because it can affect heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar.
Topical timolol may be considered for some small, thin, superficial lesions. Laser treatment, surgery or other medicines are reserved for selected cases, including persistent ulceration or changes left after the haemangioma has shrunk.
Care at home
Protect the area from friction and follow the clinical team’s skin-care instructions. If the surface bleeds, apply firm continuous pressure with clean gauze. Seek medical advice if bleeding does not stop, an ulcer develops, pain increases or there are signs of infection.
Sources
- Great Ormond Street Hospital: Haemangiomas
- Great Ormond Street Hospital: Treating haemangiomas with propranolol
- NHS: Birthmarks
Reviewed: 28 August 2026