Hemangioma is a condition prevalent in infants where immature blood vessels accumulate and start growing rapidly. It appears as a bright red bump on the skin, which is also known as a “strawberry birthmark.” The size, location, and intensity of growth vary in hemangiomas, and they may also appear as blue masses if they have grown deeper into the skin.

Hemangiomas are not cancerous and develop in the initial few weeks of life. The causes of hemangiomas are unknown, but several treatment options are available to get rid of this skin condition. What are those treatments, and which option is the best? Continue reading to find out. We will discuss safe, simple, and effective treatments to remove hemangiomas in this blog.

Treatment Options for Hemangioma

You can try any of the following options if you are looking for an effective hemangiomas treatment.

Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers are one of the most popular medications used for hemangiomas treatment since 2008. Two common types of beta-blocker medicines used are: 

  • Oral Propranolol: Its usage for hemangiomas treatment in infants (5 weeks or older) is quite common. Also, it was approved by the FDA in 2014. Oral propranolol is prescribed twice a day for at least six months.
  • Timolol Gel (Topical Beta-Blockers): Topical beta-blockers like timolol gel can be used for superficial and small hemangiomas. Timolol gel is applied directly to the skin. It is crucial to use timolol gel properly; therefore, only a healthcare professional can use it.

Hemangioma

Corticosteroid Medication

This medication can be used to reduce the pain and growth of hemangiomas. Corticosteroid is injected into the hemangiomas with the help of a syringe. Patients who do not respond to beta-blockers can opt for corticosteroid injections. Nowadays, they are less frequently used but are highly effective during the first six months of life.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatment can also be used to remove hemangiomas from the surface of the skin. The laser is effective in healing ulcerated hemangiomas and eliminating small blood vessels from the surface of hemangiomas. This option is normally safe and does not have any long-term or significant side effects.

Medicated Gel

This option costs more than all other options because the medicated gel (e.g., Regranex) used in this procedure is expensive. Chronically ulcerated hemangiomas can be treated using medicated gel. Before you try it, you should discuss its side effects with your doctor.

Surgery

A surgical removal is a suitable option when hemangiomas have permanently damaged the tissues, and you are experiencing recurrent bleeding. General anesthesia is used to perform the surgery. 

Key Takeaways

In short, it is possible to remove or make hemangiomas less noticeable through the different treatments discussed above. However, you cannot decide which treatment is best for you without the help of a certified dermatologist. Therefore, it is essential to consult with an expert who can examine your skin and recommend suitable options. For this purpose, you can visit Euromed® Clinic Center because we have a team of DHA-licensed dermatologists. Please call us or fill in the consultation form given below to book your appointment at our clinic.