A hemangioma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor made up of blood vessels, commonly seen in infants. Often called a "strawberry mark" due to its bright red appearance, it's the most common vascular birthmark in children.
What Does It Look Like?
There are two main types:
- 1.Superficial Hemangioma
- Raised, bright red, and soft
- Appears on the skin surface
- Common on face, scalp, chest, or back
- 2. Deep (Cavernous) Hemangioma
- Bluish or skin-colored
- Located under the skin
- Feels like a soft lump
Sometimes a hemangioma can have both superficial and deep components.
When Does It Appear?
- Not always visible at birth — may appear in the first 2–4 weeks of life
- Grows rapidly during the first 6 months (proliferative phase)
- Begins to shrink and fade around 12 months (involution phase)
- Most are significantly smaller or gone by age 5–10
Is It Dangerous?
In most cases, no — hemangiomas are harmless and fade over time. However, treatment may be needed if it:
- Grows near the eyes, nose, or mouth
- Causes ulceration (painful open sores)
- Bleeds or gets infected
- Interferes with vision, breathing, or feeding
- Causes disfigurement or permanent scarring
When to See a Doctor
- Rapid growth
- Bleeding or ulceration
- Location near eyes, nose, lips, or airway
- Concerns about appearance or future scarring