What is the best way to treat a red birthmark?

From time to time, new mothers ask about a red birthmark on their newborn baby, which is growing in size. These new mothers are anxious about what to do with this red birthmark? Will it grow with the baby? Will it leave unsightly scars in the future? In fact, this so-called red birthmark is a hemangioma. So, what is hemangioma? Hemangioma is a congenital abnormality in the development of the vasculature, and the pathology is a non-genuine tumor. Hemangioma is a common disease in children, with an incidence rate of 2.5% to 12%, 1.1% to 2.6% in newborns, and 10% to 12% in infancy. There are three types of hemangioma: capillary hemangioma, cavernous hemangioma, and mixed hemangioma. What are the manifestations of hemangioma? About 30% of hemangiomas appear in the neonatal period. After 3-6 months of proliferation after the formation of speckled lesions, the tumor increases rapidly, followed by 6-18 months of slow growth of the tumor into a relative stabilizer. The most common sites are the head, neck and face, accounting for about 60%, followed by the trunk and extremities. What should I do if I have a hemangioma? 50% of hemangiomas regress spontaneously before the age of 5. The regression of the tumor is independent of the size, age of occurrence, location and growth rate. The earlier the tumor regresses, the fewer the complications. Regardless of the location of the red birthmark (hemangioma), it is necessary to visit a specialized children’s hospital, where you can register to see the dermatology and general surgery clinics. Depending on the location, size and shape of the lump, the doctor will prescribe the necessary tests, such as blood tests and ultrasound. After the test results are available, treatment advice will be given. The doctor will tell the new mother to choose one of the treatment options. For example: (1) Regular review means no special treatment is needed. (2) Dermatology oral hormone treatment or laser treatment. (3) Surgical local injection treatment or surgery. We think it is better to insist on early diagnosis and early formal treatment under the guidance of doctors. Especially in key areas, such as the increase of facial birthmarks (hemangioma) will affect the baby’s beauty, and red birthmarks (hemangioma) in joint areas will affect the function of joints need early medication or surgery. New mothers should be reminded not to let birthmarks ruin the beauty of their babies.