A hemangioma is a nodule of abnormal blood vessels most often under the skin on the face, scalp or back of the neck. Hemangiomas most often develop in the first year of life and can grow up to two to three inches in diameter, states MayoClinic.com. The majority of hemangiomas never need any form of treatment. The hemangioma stops growing and slowly begins to disappear. Most are resolved by age 10. Researchers are not sure what causes hemangiomas. A patient should seek treatment if the hemangioma bleeds, forms a sore or bruise, becomes firm, looks infected, or grows rapidly.
Corticosteroids
According to Medline Plus, of the National Institutes of Health, corticosteroids may be used to treat a hemangioma. Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory medications that may shrink the hemangioma. They can be taken orally, injected into the hemangioma, or applied topically to the skin over the hemangioma. Most doctors are hesitant to prescribe a corticosteroid to a child because of the serious side effects associated with taking corticosteroids. Side effects include poor growth, high blood sugar, high blood pressure and clouding of the lens of the eye, according to MayoClinic.com. Thus, the risks and benefits of corticosteroid therapy should be thoroughly discussed with a doctor before proceeding.
Laser Surgery
Laser surgery may be effective in treating a hemangioma, states MayoClinic.com. Specifically, lasers can stop the growth or reduce the size of the hemangioma. Lasers emit yellow light that damages the lining of the blood vessels without damaging the patient’s skin. Often, laser therapy can be used in combination with corticosteroids to reduce the hemangioma. Serious risks of laser surgery include pain, infection, bleeding, scarring and changes in skin color.
Beta-Blockers
According to the "New England Journal of Medicine," beta-blockers can be effective in treating hemangiomas. In a clinical study, all patients receiving a beta-blocker observed a change in the hemangioma from intense red to purple, and a significant softening of the hemangioma. Later in treatment, patients noted that hemangiomas continued to improve until they were flat. Researchers believe that beta-blockers cause vasoconstriction, or blood vessels shrinkage, of the hemangioma. Vasoconstriction further leads to death of hemangioma cells.
