When does an infantile haemangioma require treatment?

Have you noticed a red patch on your baby’s skin that is getting bigger or perhaps even rising above the surface of the surrounding skin? It is likely to be an infantile haemangioma. It is the most common benign tumour in childhood, affecting 5–10 per cent of infants; it is more common in premature babies and girls.

Although these vascular lesions usually startle parents at first glance, in most cases they are not dangerous. Nevertheless, there are situations in which prompt intervention by a specialist is absolutely essential for the child’s physical and future mental health. Cosmetic changes following a haemangioma may later affect a child’s self-confidence, particularly during adolescence.

How can you recognise a haemangioma and what should you expect?

In the first few days to weeks of life, a subtle red patch appears, which usually grows during the first few months and takes on a deeper red, and later a purplish, colour. It may be raised above the surrounding skin. Sometimes, however, it grows beneath the skin, forming a bluish lump on the skin’s surface. The growth of a haemangioma usually stops around 6–12 months of age. It then slowly shrinks on its own, and sometimes disappears completely. This phase lasts until pre-school or early school age.

When should you see a specialist?

However, some haemangiomas behave more aggressively or are located in high-risk areas. You should not delay seeing a paediatric specialist if:

The haemangioma is growing very rapidly and changing shape or colour almost before your very eyes.
It is situated in a high-risk area where it may pose a health risk or cause permanent cosmetic consequences:

Around the eyes, where it may physically prevent the eyelid from opening and cause a serious visual impairment, such as amblyopia.
In the area of the lips, nostrils and oral cavity, where it may complicate breathing and eating, and where there is also a higher risk of bleeding or the development of painful, non-healing sores (ulcerations) and, later, scarring.
On the tip of the nose and in the area of the auricle and ear canal.
In the nappy area or skin folds, where there is a risk of mechanical irritation, the development of ulcers and subsequent infection.
On the neck or around the nipple, where it may press on surrounding structures and thus compromise their function and growth, for example the mammary or parotid glands.

Important guidelines

If you have any doubts, have the haemangioma examined by a specialist as soon as possible, ideally between the 4th week and the 4th month of life. During this period, any treatment is most effective and the chances of complete resolution are high.
From the moment you notice the haemangioma, take regular photographs of it with a scale included in the frame. It is important for the physician to monitor the rate and pattern of its growth. Take the photographs under the same lighting conditions, with the child in the same position, and in the same spot.

How can we help you at the AKESO POLICLINIC?

At our specialist clinic, led by the experienced paediatrician Dr Pavla Raušová, we focus on the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of infants with infantile haemangiomas. Our aim is to provide parents with the opportunity to understand the full scope of the issue, whilst also taking their decisions regarding the next steps into account. Where necessary, we initiate systemic treatment with Hemangiol or, for smaller superficial haemangiomas, local treatment.

What we offer:

Short waiting times for appointments, usually within 2 weeks, at a specific time.
Monitoring the development of the haemangioma using photographic documentation enables us to objectively assess whether it is growing or shrinking. We store all records in the patient’s electronic file.
A comprehensive examination of the child, including a risk assessment and, where necessary, arrangements for further investigations within the AKESO POLICLINIC.
Where necessary, consultation on photographs with other specialists in this field.
Close collaboration with the haemangioma outpatient clinic at FNMH.
If your baby is premature and is not being monitored at a high-risk clinic, we offer this care with the same physician, who will also check the haemangioma, all in a single appointment. This approach is gentler on the baby and more convenient for parents.

Book an appointment at our clinic

The outpatient clinic is currently accepting new patients. Appointments are usually available within 14 days of booking.

Our opening hours:
Every Tuesday from 8.30 am to 12.00 pm and from 12.30 pm to 3.00 pm.

You can book an appointment:
By telephone: 233 555 000
By email: recepce@akeso-poliklinika.cz
Via the booking form