Haemangioma (strawberry naevus): Treatment, symptoms, advice and help
About haemangioma (strawberry naevus)
Strawberry naevus, also known as ‘capillary haemangi
Haemangioma (strawberry naevus): Treatment, symptoms, advice and help
About haemangioma (strawberry naevus)
Strawberry naevus, also known as ‘capillary haemangioma’ is a birthmark which is bright red in colour. It usually appears a few weeks after birth. It is most commonly seen on the head and neck areas and disappears within a few years.
Haemangioma (strawberry naevus): Incidence, age and sex
Strawberry naevus is a common problem encountered almost 10% of babies. It is three times more common in girls as compared to boys.
Signs and symptoms of haemangioma (strawberry naevus): Diagnosis
Strawberry naevus can occur anywhere on body. However, it is common on the face and neck. It is characterized by tiny, red, flat skin lesions, which appear in the first few weeks after birth and then grow rapidly as blood vessels underneath, proliferate with time. In most of the individuals, strawberry naevus disappears by 8-10 years of life.
The diagnosis of this characteristic birthmark can be easily established by its typical appearance and location. MRI scan or Doppler ultrasonography may be required in exceptional cases, where the naevus is deeply located under the skin.
Causes and prevention of haemangioma (strawberry naevus)
Strawberry haemangioma is caused by the abnormal collection of blood vessels just below the skin. There are no preventive measures for strawberry naevus since it is a birthmark and can appear without any apparent cause.
Haemangioma (strawberry naevus): Complications
The appearance of strawberry naevus on face can cause intense emotional distress to the affected child. Even after its disappearance, slight discolouration of the skin may be noted in its place. Occurrence of strawberry naevus on the eyelids may hamper vision and thus need immediate management. Strawberry naevus, in seldom cases, may exhibit bleeding, ulceration or even infection.