A “strawberry on a baby” refers to a common type of birthmark that appears shortly after birth. These marks are typically raised, red lumps on the skin, resembling the surface of a strawberry. Most of these birthmarks are harmless and often fade on their own over time.
Understanding Strawberry Marks
These birthmarks are medically known as infantile hemangiomas. They are benign growths formed by an overgrowth of blood vessels. Infantile hemangiomas are the most common type of tumor in infants, affecting 5% to 10% of all births.
The appearance of these marks can vary depending on their location and depth within the skin. Superficial hemangiomas, closer to the skin’s surface, appear as bright red, raised patches with a bumpy texture. Deeper hemangiomas, located further beneath the skin, may look like bluish or purplish lumps, sometimes with a smoother surface. Some infantile hemangiomas can also be mixed, displaying characteristics of both superficial and deep types. While most hemangiomas are found on the head and neck, they can appear anywhere on the body.
Why Do Babies Get Them?
The exact cause of infantile hemangiomas is not fully understood, but they result from an abnormal proliferation of cells that line blood vessels. This rapid growth of immature blood vessels leads to the formation of the distinctive mark. While not hereditary, a combination of genetic and environmental factors is thought to play a role in their development.
Infantile hemangiomas follow a predictable growth pattern, characterized by two main phases. The first is a rapid growth phase, which begins within the first few weeks after birth and continues for four to nine months, with the most significant growth occurring by three months of age. Then, the hemangioma enters an involution phase, where it gradually shrinks and fades. This shrinking process is slower, continuing until a child is five to ten years old, with many hemangiomas fading by age seven.
When to Consult a Doctor and Treatment Options
While most infantile hemangiomas are harmless and resolve without intervention, some situations warrant medical consultation. If a hemangioma is located near an eye, mouth, or airway, it could interfere with vision, feeding, or breathing, requiring prompt evaluation. Ulceration, where the skin over the hemangioma breaks down and forms an open sore, is a common complication that can be painful and may lead to infection.
Treatment options are considered based on the hemangioma’s size, location, growth rate, and any potential complications. Observation is recommended for uncomplicated hemangiomas, as many will regress on their own. For problematic hemangiomas, oral beta-blockers are a primary treatment, working by narrowing blood vessels and limiting the growth of hemangioma cells, leading to softening and a reduction in color. Topical beta-blockers may be used for smaller, superficial lesions. In rare cases, other interventions such as corticosteroids, laser therapy, or surgical removal may be considered.