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Hemangiomas: Anna's Story

A mother's journey navigating her daughter's hemangiomas - from initial worry to reassurance

"The first one appeared when Anna was just a few days old. I thought it was a diaper rash at first. As a first-time mom, I didn't know one red spot from another..."

After another day or two, several more flat red spots appeared in and around Anna's diaper area. I had never heard the word "hemangiomas" before the doctor told me they were hemangiomas, and the word flew right over my head. I caught the "oma" ending — which sounded to me like cancer, like melanoma — which immediately had me worried.

💚Looking Back Now

Now, nearly 3 years later, I know that I didn't need to be alarmed. Hemangiomas (a type of birthmark) are improper formations of blood vessels, and wouldn't pose any threat to Anna's health. The neonatologist told us then that we could expect them to grow larger and redder, but they would most likely disappear by the time Anna went to kindergarten.

After discussing Anna's hemangiomas with friends and family, we found out that we were hardly alone — many others had had them as kids or knew someone who did. Apparently they are pretty common, occurring in approximately 1 out of every 100 births, and there's a higher risk among babies like Anna, who are Caucasian, female, and born prematurely.

🏥In the Hospital

Anna's birth was a big surprise for us. She arrived 7 weeks before her due date. Her health was good from the start, but she spent 2 weeks maturing in the hospital NICU before going home.

There was some concern that Anna's diapers would rub against the hemangiomas, breaking the skin and leading to bleeding or infection. But because none were near any vital organs, there was a pretty low risk for any more serious complications. So the doctors weren't recommending plastic surgery or any other treatment. We were relieved that no drastic measures were needed — the thought of any sort of surgery on my newborn was truly frightening.

Anna's Hemangiomas:

Total Number:

confirmed hemangiomas

Size Range:

Smallest: Size of a pinprick on her back

Largest: Entire top of right big toe

They looked like huge blood blisters, and it was hard to imagine that they weren't causing Anna any pain. But she never winced when they were touched and or showed any signs of distress. The doctors assured us that they would not be painful as long as the skin stayed intact.

👨‍⚕️Following Up with Specialists

We had been referred to a pediatric dermatologist to follow Anna for any potential complications. He explained that hemangiomas usually:

Typical Hemangioma Timeline:

Years 0-1: Rapid Growth

Grow rapidly for about 12 months

Years 1-2: Plateau

Grow with the child for another year

Years 2-10: Regression

Recede over the next 5 to 10 years

In addition, my mother-in-law went to the library and did some research that helped us get a better understanding of what to expect.

Additional Testing

The dermatologist ordered tests to make sure there were no internal complications:

•Ultrasound of head and abdomen to check for internal hemangiomas (good news: none found!)
•Blood tests to rule out thyroid problems (all normal)

While I found these tests simple and painless when I was pregnant, for 4-month-old Anna they were challenging. The dark ultrasound room, the gel, and strangers touching her were scary for her. However, the good results made it all worthwhile.

✨Positive Signs & Progress

6 Months: Early Improvement!

By the time Anna was 6 months old, her hemangiomas started to get better rather than worse — a very good sign for a baby so young! Because no serious complications had developed, our main concern was that the skin over the hemangiomas would break, leading to bleeding or infection. We were advised to use Aquaphor (a moisturizing cream) to prevent that.

Managing Public Curiosity

Like many parents, I thought Anna was the most beautiful child I had ever seen and I believed that's what other people would see too, not her hemangiomas. That said, I only wanted admiration for my daughter and not undue pity.

My Approach:

•Made sure she had socks on, even in summer, for privacy
•Left the one above her ear visible (hiding it would draw more attention)
•Photographed her "good side" when possible
•Broke the ice by explaining what hemangiomas are if people seemed curious

Thankfully, no one stared impolitely or was rude to us. If I was speaking to someone and I thought they were curious, I would explain what hemangiomas are, because I knew that just a few months before I too had known nothing about them.

🎉A Fading Issue: Happy Update

Anna is now a curious and precocious 2½-year-old and, very happily, her hemangiomas have not caused any problems.

👣The Big Toe Hemangioma

The biggest hemangioma — the one on her big toe — went away around her first birthday. The skin texture is slightly different from the rest of her skin, but only her mother or a trained eye would ever know it was there.

👂The Ear Hemangioma

A few months later, the one above her ear began to flatten and fade. It had looked like a big red pencil eraser, but now it's barely noticeable.

Current Status at 2½ Years:

✓Just 6 hemangiomas remain
✓Original red appearance has started to fade
✓None are visible when she's dressed
✓No surgery or treatment was needed
✓None were near eyes, nose, mouth, or interfered with functioning

So we feel pretty lucky.

Anna didn't have to go through any surgery or treatment, and none were internal or near her eyes, nose, or mouth, or anything else that might interfere with her normal functioning. None of the remaining growths are visible when she's dressed, so we don't need to worry about teasing Anna might face as she gets older.

"So now she's free to follow toddler pursuits, like running, jumping, and taking on the playground swings!" 🎈

💡Key Takeaways from Anna's Story

1.Most Hemangiomas Are Harmless

Despite initial worry, hemangiomas are typically benign and don't cause health problems. They're more common than most people realize.

2.Many Fade on Their Own

Like Anna's, many hemangiomas start fading earlier than expected and continue to improve over time without any treatment.

3.Professional Monitoring is Important

Regular check-ups with specialists helped ensure Anna's hemangiomas weren't causing complications and didn't require treatment.

4.It's Okay to Feel Worried

The initial shock and worry are normal reactions. Learning about the condition and talking with doctors helps ease concerns.

5.Your Child is More Than Their Birthmarks

Focusing on your child's health and happiness, rather than appearance concerns, helps both you and your child adjust positively.

🤗For Parents Facing Similar Situations

If your child has been diagnosed with hemangiomas, remember:

✓ Do:

• Follow up with specialists as recommended
• Keep the area moisturized if advised
• Take photos to track changes over time
• Ask questions when you have concerns
• Connect with other parents who've been through it
• Trust your doctor's guidance

✗ Don't:

• Panic - most cases resolve well
• Compare timelines - every child is different
• Feel you need to explain to everyone
• Let it overshadow your child's other milestones
• Skip follow-up appointments
• Try unproven home remedies

Remember:

Every child's journey with hemangiomas is unique. While Anna's story had a happy outcome without treatment, some children may need intervention. The important thing is working with your medical team to determine the best approach for your child.

📚Learn More About Hemangiomas

Want to learn more about hemangiomas and other types of birthmarks? Check out our comprehensive guides:

🔴Complete Birthmarks Guide

Comprehensive information about all types of birthmarks, including hemangiomas, port-wine stains, and more.

• Occur in 1-2% of newborns
• More common in girls than boys
• More common in premature babies
• Usually appear in first few weeks
• Most resolve without treatment

📝A Note to Readers

This story represents one family's experience with infantile hemangiomas. Every child's situation is unique, and outcomes can vary.

If your child has hemangiomas or any other birthmarks, work closely with your pediatrician and specialists to determine the best monitoring and treatment plan for your child's specific situation.

Always consult with qualified healthcare providers for medical advice regarding your child's health.