Newborn angioma: everything you need to know
At birth, the baby's skin appears perfect: pink and smooth. But a few weeks after giving birth, parents may notice the appearance of a red speck on the skin. It is likely a hemangioma, or angioma of the newborn. It is neither dangerous nor painful and does not cause the baby discomfort unless it is in a particularly sensitive and delicate area. In any case, at the sight of an angioma, mom and dad should contact their trusted pediatrician who will be able to reassure them and advise them in the best possible way.
The pediatrician is a precious friend. Look what this doctor has come up with!
What are angiomas
All angiomas are vascular anomalies that can affect the skin, mucous membranes or internal organs. They are also called vascular tumors. This definition should not be alarming, in fact, angiomas are not absolutely dangerous, they are benign tumor forms.In 88% of cases, angiomas do not require any treatment and, indeed, after the first few times they regress spontaneously until they disappear before the child's 10 years of age. In the remaining 12% of cases, however, they require checks, therapies or treatments.
See also
Angioma and hemangioma: differences
Congenital angioma is present on the baby's skin from birth. It is flat, does not protrude and is permanent, ie it will not regress. These angiomas are also called birthmarks, according to popular belief that matches them with the mother's birthmarks during pregnancy (strawberry, of wine or cherry, for their particular color).
Hemangiomas (also called infantile or newborn angiomas) occur a few weeks after birth. They can be found in 3-10% of children, more in girls than in boys. Their dimensions are variable, ranging from lesions of a few centimeters to very extensive and evident hemangiomas. They are characterized by fast growth which usually follows a spontaneous involution. However, the causes that generate them are not yet fully known. After it manifests, this type of angioma begins to develop small swellings. After a few years of life it regresses, first losing the typical red color and then disappearing completely. The leather can become perfect again or it can remain covered by a small soft patina.
In turn, infantile hemangiomas are divided into three types invaded to their degree of depth. We could therefore have a superficial, raised or flat angioma. It is the most common and has a typical red color. Or a deep, subcutaneous angioma that takes on a purple-blue color or finally a mixed angioma that has more superficial parts and deeper parts.
A common type of angioma is the stork bite, a small patch located behind the neck that results from a capillary malformation. It is called this because of the legend that wants the children brought to Earth by the stork by holding them with their beak at that point. This type of angioma is covered by the hair and scalp and does not require treatment.
Speaking of stork, how beautiful are newborn babies?
See also: 65 sweetest baby photos
The four stages of an angioma of the newborn
Phase 1: On the skin of the newborn appears a lighter area some inside it is possible to see a bright red patch.
Stage 2: The patch grows gradually, sometimes very rapidly. The angioma increases in volume and its color becomes more and more intense and brilliant.
Phase 3: After a few months of intense growth, the angioma stabilizes and remains unchanged even for a few years.
Phase 4: The angioma spontaneously begins to regress, gradually losing volume until it disappears and changing its color until it becomes almost imperceptible.
Angioma in adults
Angiomas can also be found in adults. In this specific case we speak of ruby angiomas, small pinpoint-shaped protuberances that can also increase in volume.
What to do in case of angioma
As we have said, angioma is not dangerous and does not require special treatments but contacting a pediatrician is also essential because each case must be evaluated individually.
It is important to evaluate the area where the newborn's angioma is positioned. Some of them, for example those in the sacral area, in the genital area and on the face require periodic checks.
Angiomas to keep an eye on are also numerous, small and close ones because they could be associated with underlying malformations.
Diagnosis of angioma
To make a complete diagnosis you need the consultation of a specialist, a dermatologist, who in addition to a visual analysis must perform some specific examinations including echocolordoppler, magnetic resonance imaging, essential to understand if the angioma also affects the underlying organs and finally the biopsy to rule out other complications.
The cases in which to intervene
Usually angiomas disappear by themselves but there are cases in which it is necessary to intervene with a therapy or an intervention. This is when the newborn's angioma occupies a particular position: it is in a delicate area, in a point where it can easily ulcerate and bleed, tear or become infected.
Another case that requires rapid intervention is that of angioma that affects the eyelid or the periocular area and which could grow, cause damage to the child's vision, strabismus phenomena and disfigurement of the face. It is advisable to intervene by removing even those angiomas that could grow internally, compromising the functioning of an internal organ such as the liver or lungs.
In the case of large flat angioma, located in visible areas, it is good to intervene before entering primary school in order not to cause psychological damage to children, compromising their chances of socializing with their peers.
An effective method for erasing flat hemangiomas and angiomas is the dye-laser. This treatment requires several sessions to be carried out one month apart, avoiding the hottest months of the year: a luminous laser wave hits the purple-red pigment of the capillaries and fades its color until it disappears. This type of treatment is a bit painful and is carried out in deep sedation in the case of small children.
