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Hemangiomas


In Aidens photos you'll see a spot on his head. This is called an hemangioma. It is a type of birthmark that usually goes away as children grow. Here's a quote from a medical website addressing hemangiomas:

"Hemangiomas are caused by many tiny blood vessels bunched together and vary in severity. Typically, this birthmark can be just that, a mark, or it can grow larger and larger until treated. Hemangiomas can grow very rapidly through the first year of a child's life. There are two types of hemangiomas: strawberry hemangiomas, which are slightly raised and can appear anywhere on the body; or cavernous hemangiomas, which are a deeper birthmark characterized by a bluish color. Most hemangiomas will go away on their own; 50% resolve by age five, 70% by age seven and 90% by age nine. Reasons to treat hemangioma include problems with functions (such as sight, eating, hearing or defecation), ulceration or pain. Hemangiomas can be treated two different ways, each of which carries its own risks: corticosteroid medication, which is injected or taken orally. Risks associated with corticosteroid medication include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, poor growth, or cataracts.  Certain hemangiomas can also be treated with lasers to stop them from growing. Risks associated with that treatment include ulceration and scarring. In some cases, a hemangioma can also be removed with surgery."

Want to know more? Try WebMD