Haemangiomas in babies

Your baby has finally arrived! It is an enormous and tender bubble of love surrounding you. That said, it also comes with countless questions, and sometimes even apprehensions, that we face as new parents. Today we have decided to address the topic of baby haemangiomas so that you are fully informed should one appear on your newborn.

First of all: what is a baby haemangioma?

Let us first define what we are talking about: a haemangioma is a malformation. It is caused by an abnormal dilation of blood vessels. In other words, it is the result of malformed blood vessels, most likely during their formation in utero. It is a benign abnormality.

What causes haemangiomas in babies?

On this question, know that it is, to this day, not possible to pinpoint the causes behind the appearance of a haemangioma. Statistics do show, however, that they are found more frequently in girls. As well as, incidentally, in premature babies. It is known, nevertheless, that difficult pregnancies — particularly those involving hypertension or pre-eclampsia — play a role in the presence of haemangiomas in babies. Finally, late pregnancies can also increase their likelihood. Depending on where haemangiomas are located, they are given different names.

Are there different types of haemangioma in babies?

Since haemangiomas affect blood vessels, veins, and arteries — as well as lymphatic or capillary vessels — this is why there are different types. They can therefore appear in the form of patches on the skin, varying in colour, size, and shape. Baby haemangiomas can appear on the body or the face. Among the different types, you will find infantile haemangiomas, port-wine stains — also known as "birthmarks" due to their presence on the skin from birth. There are also spider angiomas, venous angiomas, and cherry angiomas, to name only the most commonly encountered.

Do haemangiomas disappear?

It is worth noting that most haemangiomas appear at birth. That said, they can also appear later on, and therefore affect not only our babies but also older children and adults. In the vast majority of cases, baby haemangiomas eventually disappear and are generally benign.

Do they carry any risk?

As we said, in the majority of cases, haemangiomas are benign and regress spontaneously. It is also worth noting that they cause no pain. We should, however, bear in mind that depending on their size and location, medical advice is recommended. Indeed, if a baby haemangioma is located, for example, near the eyes or the airways, it is preferable, given the importance of these areas, to consult your paediatrician regularly on the matter. So that they can keep a close eye on the development and reassure you about the harmless nature of your baby's haemangioma. Finally, to be entirely transparent, there are very rare cases where it can become ulcerated and cause bleeding. But this is extremely uncommon, so do be reassured — if you are keeping a close eye on baby, there is no reason to be concerned.

When should you be concerned about a baby haemangioma?

Given their predominantly benign nature, you of course have no reason to worry. Except in the following cases:

• If the haemangioma is large — in other words, if it measures more than 2 cm.
• Similarly, if, as we explained above, its location seems concerning to you. Near the eyes, the mouth, or the airways.
• Also if it is likely to bleed.
• Finally, if the haemangioma is painful for baby.

Remember that in all cases, it is advisable to consult your paediatrician to assess baby's haemangioma. And depending on their diagnosis, they will guide you on the right course of action. Once again, be reassured — haemangiomas are present in many babies, and very often disappear within the weeks that follow.