Hemangioma

As a family practice health care provider I have seen many children with hemangiomas and know that they will resolve.  However, my own grand daughter was born 6 weeks ago with a superficial hemangioma below her right eye.  It does not impinge upon the border of the lid.  To reassure her mother I would like to attach a picture of this hemangioma and get your response.  I have already told her how it will grow for 6-12 months then slowly resolve on its own.  However, I think if she can see it in print my daughter in law will feel  better about this situation.  I am sure you can understand how she feels.   I will try very hard to attach the picture.  If I cannot and anyone wants to write me about this I am ***@****.  Thanks for your interest and answers.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

This sounds indeed like a so-called strawberry hemangioma, which grows and resolves in the manner you describe.  Because it is near the eye, where growth may impinge on vision if it gets big enough, it might be worth having a laser surgeon have a look, since nonivasive laser technology has been available for years now which can safely and with no risk of scarring reduce the size of hemangiomas and hasten their involution.  I'd suggest contacting the dermatology division of a local academic medical center for a consultation.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff