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Category: Common illnesses

Categories
Common illnesses

What is Baby Fever?

baby fever, what is baby fever, How To Take Baby's Temperature
baby fever, what is baby fever, How To Take Baby's Temperature

Baby Fever

It might be confusing when your baby has a fever for the first time. Furthermore, a baby fever is definitely something to worry about if your kid is only a few weeks old, the fever is persistent, or both. Babies need unique treatment along with specific medicines to get healthy again.

But did you know that a baby fever is also a sign of a healthy immune system? However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t need to worry about it.

There are several types of fevers in babies. Thus, it is important to identify the cause and undergo treatment for the same.

Let’s find out everything you need to know about baby fever.

What is baby fever?

Baby fever can be defined as an increase in the body temperature of your infant. It is also a sign that the body is fighting with an illness, but it cannot be ignored and left as it is. If your baby is only a few weeks old and the fever is chronic, you must reach out to a doctor. You cannot predict the cause of a fever by just temperature alone. It could be just because of cold or infection, but it could also be an indication of something serious.

The normal body temperature of a baby lies within the 36.5°C to 38°C range. If the body temperature is more than the normal range, this can be called a fever. However, a high temperature doesn’t necessarily indicate that your kid has a serious disease, as it is the body’s natural way of dealing with illnesses and germs. Remember, the fever may come on gradually over days, but it can be quicker in some cases.

What are the symptoms of baby fever?

There are several indications of baby fever. Most are easily noticed and none should be ignored. You must confirm the symptoms if you get the slightest hint that your baby has a fever. Common symptoms of infants with a fever are listed below:

  • An abnormal rise in the body temperature of the baby. This can be easily noticed by a casual touch on the forehead.
  • A decrease in appetite.
  • A sudden rise or fall in the amount of time spent sleeping.
  • If your baby gets irritated and cries a lot, this is a strong sign of a fever.
  • Chills, shivering, and sometimes sweating accompany a fever.

How can you identify the fever?

You can easily identify a baby fever by taking the temperature of a baby. A light touch to the forehead with the hand will give you an idea of temperature. However, you can confirm the fever using a thermometer.

It is important to know the type of fever your baby has. This will prevent your baby from developing any kind of serious illness. The identification of a fever isn’t a difficult process because of common and noticeable indications. However, if the baby appears normal and the thermometer shows an abnormal reading, you must go for a checkup.

However, the magnitude of the temperature will not determine how sick your baby is. In some cases, a viral infection can lead to a very high body temperature. Sometimes a baby fever is identified by the breathing process of the baby. Infants usually breath faster if they have a fever; you should contact the doctor if your child has an increased heart or breathing rate.

How to take baby’s temperature?

There are three significant spots to measure baby fever using a thermometer. It is recommended to always use a digital thermometer as they provide better and accurate results. Using a mercury thermometer can be risky. In the case of newborn babies, only a digital one should be used.

Ear thermometers, called tympanic, require an accurate placement to get reading. Skin strips are not recommended for babies. Now let’s read about three main places on the body to take the temperature.

  • On the forehead: The temporal artery thermometer is the new method used to measure temperature. It is recommended for newborn babies as it is more comfortable as compared to the rectal thermometer. It uses the blood flowing through the temporal artery on the forehead.
  • In the rectum: It is recommended to measure the temperature in the rectum. This is best for a baby up to three years of age. The baby’s internal temperature can be taken accurately using this method. Be very careful while using the rectal thermometer, as it can pass along germs.
  • In the armpit: You can use this method to initially confirm the temperature. This is also known as an auxiliary measurement. Once you have confirmed the fever, you can use a rectal or other thermometer.

What causes baby fever?

There are several reasons for baby fever. Keep in mind that a fever is not an illness, but usually an indication of some other situation. A few reasons that cause fevers include:

  • Infection: Infants usually get fevers from viral infections. The body gets stronger and fights against diseases by developing a fever. The high temperature kills germs and helps the body withstand risky infections.
  • Immunization: Babies have to get many vaccines and may develop a fever because of that. However, it isn’t obvious whether the fever is because of infection or fear.
  • Overdressing: Kids can also develop fevers when they are overdressed in a hot environment. When babies are dressed heavily, especially in hot temperatures outside, this can cause a fever.
  • Teething: Babies develop fevers when they began to grow teeth. Teething can lead to a small rise in body temperature. However, the baby must still be taken to the doctor in such a situation.
  • Skin injury: A very unique but unusual justification for a baby fever is skin injury. The fever is not because of the injury, but because of an infection from the injury.
  • Weather: Really hot weather can cause fevers in babies. Unlike adults, babies can not regulate their body temperature very well. This, hot weather is also a possible reason for a baby fever.
  • Dehydration: When a baby is unable to fulfill their required fluid intake, it can lead to a rise in body temperature. If this is not treated at the early stages, dehydration can occur. Eventually, this will lead to several serious diseases.

What can you do when your baby has a fever?

You must make your baby comfortable before treating the fever. You also should keep an eye on the symptoms. Here are some things you can do if your baby has a fever:

  • You must keep track of their health on daily basis. Babies that stay happy and comfortable require less treatment.
  • Make sure that your baby stays hydrated. Giving the baby more fluids can boost the process. You can ask your doctor for a special drink, if needed. However, water is the best drink for babies; fevers lead to dehydration.
  • Proper rest is necessary for an infant with a fever. This doesn’t mean that your baby must be in bed all day, but a baby should not feel tired if there’s a fever.
  • If your baby is too uncomfortable, you can ask the doctor for medicine. Baby fever reducers can be effective in easing pain. Without a doctor’s prescription, don’t give your baby any type of medicine. The dosage depends directly upon the weight of your baby.
  • Never wake up a baby who is sleeping as it can make the situation worse. You must not wake your baby to give them medicine or anything else. Sleep is important to reduce the temperature.
  • You must use lightweight blankets and sheets to cover the baby. Also, don’t dress up the baby too heavily. Overdressing can increase the temperature instead of decreasing it.
  • The surroundings of the baby must be kept normal. It should be neither too cold nor too hot. A normal temperature will keep the baby comfortable.
  • For some babies, bathing in lukewarm water is effective. However, this is a temporary solution. Some people use a sponge in the process, but this is not the right approach. Some babies can feel irritation from the sponge, which will make the baby extremely uneasy.

When to see a doctor?

If you notice any of the signs listed below, you must call your doctor immediately:

  • If your infant has a temperature above 38°C and is less than three months in age, this fever could be an indication of something serious.
  • If your infant is older than three months and the body temperature is above 39°C.
  • If there’s something in particular along with fever, like a sore throat or earache.
  • Any sign of dehydration can be very risky accompanied by fever; it can lead to other health issues including less urination and increased laziness.
  • Vomiting and diarrhea are persistent.
  • If the temperature had not decreased after 24 hours.

Is a fever always dangerous?

A fever can be really dangerous when it is persistent and accompanied by other factors mentioned earlier. A persistent fever can cause dehydration and other health issues. It is very difficult to take care of babies in such situations. Infants become incredibly uncomfortable and sometimes a simple fever leads to serious problems like seizures.

There is no need for medicine if the baby is not feeling uneasy. The fever should just go away with time and young babies get healthy in just 24 hours. However, a fever can be dangerous if your child of fewer than 3 months has a fever.

The fever is not a serious issue if your baby shows any of these signs:

  • Willing to play more
  • No change in skin color
  • Still smiling
  • Eating and drinking well

It could be an emergency if your baby is having one of these signs:

  • Bluish lips, nails, and/or tongue
  • Sudden laziness
  • Continuous crying
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Rashes or purple skin
  • Increased irritation
  • Drooling

Don’t worry about a fever. Just take good care of your baby and make sure to provide them with comfort and care. Normally, a fever in young babies is just because of colds and infections.

What else to know?

You need to be prepared for some of the questions that the doctor is going to ask. This will help you to explain the situation in a better way. It will also give your doctor a better idea if you answer everything well. This is important because you are going to answer on the behalf of your baby. Doctors will ask you several questions to prescribe the best treatment for baby fever. Some of the questions are:

  • Baby’s symptoms: The very first question you have to answer is the symptoms of your baby. This is why you are suggested to keep an eye on the symptoms and note them down. You must be concerned about even the tiniest change in your baby’s behavior.
  • Home remedies: Your doctor might ask about the home remedies that you have tried to lower their body temperature. It is advised to make a list of your efforts. Also, note everything you gave your baby to eat. It would be great if you can note the exact time and make a proper list.
  • Baby’s medical history: You will be asked if your baby has any allergies or other diseases. This is because a fever can be a symptom of the development of a previous disease. Doctors will also ask about immunization and any present chronic condition your baby has. In some cases, they can also ask about pregnancy and birth details.
  • Habits and exposures: One of the most common questions that doctors ask. They will also ask about any change in the feeding habits of the baby. The number of times your infant urinates may also be asked.

Final Words

Baby fever is a common thing and you don’t need to worry about it too much. It is generally a sign of a good immune system; baby fever indicates that the body is fighting with some kind of illness. There are some really common and noticeable symptoms of fever. Once you notice any of them, you must visit a doctor. Usually babies don’t require any medicine, only a good and comfortable sleep. You have already read things you can do yourself to make your baby comfortable and cheerful again. Just make sure that your baby is happy and enjoying whatever home remedy you are using. Getting a check up is also recommended, as doctors can easily identify any growing disease.

Categories
Common illnesses

What is colic in babies?

What is colic in babies
What is colic in babies

Table of Contents

What is colic in babies? What are the symptoms? Lets start out with a mini-diagnosis:

Does your infant cry for several hours at a time and resist your every effort to soothe their tears? If so, they might be suffering from colic.

What is colic in babies anyway?

Colic is not a disorder or disease; it is a condition where your baby cries without any reason for more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 times per week, and for more than 3 weeks. Hence, infants suffering from this condition are commonly known as colic babies. While the situation is a bit of mystery, health professionals agree on a few things:

  • Colic usually starts at almost 2 weeks of age if your baby is full-term, or possibly later if the baby is pre-term
  • It commonly goes away on its own in three to four months
  • Colic can occur regardless of your infant’s age, sex, birth order, or whether they are bottle-feed or breast-feed
  • An infant suffering from colic grows in the same way as those who do not

What are colic symptoms?

How do you know your baby is colicky? Infants often show some symptoms and signs at the same time every day, especially in the evening. Some of these are:

  • Colic follows the “rule of three”: your baby cries for three hours a day, three times a week, and for consecutive three weeks.
  • Your baby cries more in the later afternoon and evening.
  • Your infant seems to be crying without any reason, such as no hunger, no dirty diaper, no sickness, and no tiredness.
  • While crying, your baby closes their eyes, opens their mouth wider, holds their breath, and furrows their brow.
  • Your baby has more bowel activity and may spit up or pass gas.
  • Your baby’s sleeping and eating patterns are disturbed due to crying. For example, a baby may anxiously seek a nipple only to reject it when sucking has just began.

Cause of colic in babies:

However, there is no exact cause of colic in babies. Studies reveal that colic has no genetic relation to anything that happens during childbirth or pregnancy. It’s also not anyone’s fault.

Moreover, here are some theories regarding the possible causes of colic in babies:

Overstimulation of the senses:

Newborn babies have a built-in mechanism for tuning out sounds and sights around them, allowing them to eat and sleep without being disturbed by the environment. However, this mechanism usually ends at the end of the first month, which makes your baby more sensitive to the stimuli of the surrounding environment. Thus, with so many new sensations, your baby becomes overwhelmed and cries to release stress.

Immature digestive system:

It is difficult for an infant to digest food with their brand new gastrointestinal tract. Hence, food sometimes passes quickly and does not break down completely. This condition results in the formation of gas, which causes pain in the infant’s intestine. This situation results in crying.

Sensitivity or food allergy:

Some doctors believe that colic for babies is due to an allergy to the cow’s milk protein casein, which is present in infant formulas. It might also be due to the reaction of a specific food present in the mother’s diet for a breastfed baby. Either way, a food sensitivity or allergy can cause tummy pain in the baby, which results in colicky behavior.

Exposure to tobacco:

Research has found that women who smoke during or after pregnancy are more likely to have colic in babies. However, secondhand smoking also contributes to colicky behavior. It is thus recommended to abstain from tobacco use during pregnancy and the lactation period to avoid these health and behavior issues in infants.

Infant acid reflux:

Studies show that infant GERD (gastroesophageal reflux) may trigger episodes of colic behavior in infants. However, GERD in infants is due to the overdevelopment of the lower esophageal sphincter, which prevents the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. Thus, in this condition stomach acid comes into the throat of the baby, which causes irritation and pain. Hence, common symptoms of GERD in infants include poor eating, spitting up, and irritability after and during feeding.

How does colic differ from normal crying?

There is a clear difference between normal crying and colic crying. Doctors agree that colic crying is more intense, louder, and higher in pitch as compared to normal crying, sometimes like screaming. Hence, colic babies are usually inconsolable and cry throughout the day.

Diagnosis of colic:

There is no specific test to detect colic in babies. Hence, a doctor will do a physical examination and focus on the following things to diagnose colic:

  • Skin tone of your baby
  • Energy level
  • Bodyweight
  • Breathing
  • Body temperature

Colic remedies for babies:

Moreover, in addition to exhaustion and frustration, you may feel guilty and inadequate when all your efforts to calm your fussy baby end in vain. Do not worry: there are some simple, easy ways to reduce the effect of colic in your baby and offer a soothing effect.

If there is suspected overstimulation of senses in baby:

  • Respond:

Crying is the only way by which an infant can communicate with you. Hence, it is recommended to respond promptly to your infant’s cries. Studies found that a quick response to your baby’s cries will decrease their crying in the long-run.

  • Excise excitement:

Limit visitors and avoid exposing your newborn to new experiences in this stimulating surrounding, particularly in the evening and late afternoon. Clearly notice how your infant responds to new stimuli and try to avoid those which offend them.

  • Create calm:

Create a peaceful environment for your baby which makes them relax and reduce colicky behavior. Sing or speak in a soothing voice, dim the lights, and keep all distractions and noise to a minimum.

If there is a suspected gastrointestinal problem:

  • Apply light pressure on infant’s tummy:

Research found that some colicky babies feel relief when you apply pressure to their tummy, as the feeling of touch is soothing for both child and parent. You may try the ‘colic carry’ or place them face-down in your lap while gently patting or rubbing their back, which should help them calm.

  • Try burping your infant:

If your infant’s inconsolable, fussy behavior is due to gas, then burping might offer relief from pain. Hence, make sure you are effectively burping your kid.

  • Use anti-gas drops:

Research reveals that reducing gas can decrease crying and discomfort in a colicky baby. You should therefore ask your pediatrician for anti-gas drops made with simethicone, which is effective in breaking down the gas bubble and reducing colic symptoms in the baby.

  • Consider probiotics:

Probiotic drops can also help in relieving tummy pain in colic babies. Probiotic bacteria naturally grow in the intestine of the infant and maintain gut health. However, the research is limited, so consult your doctor about probiotic drops.

  • Ask about switching formulas:

If your baby is on formula, try formulas which do not contain cow milk. Studies have found that infants feeding on whey hydrolyzed formula show improve colicky symptoms. However, make sure to consult your doctor before switching formula.

  • Watch what you eat:

If your baby is getting breastfed, then focus on what you eat. Try to eliminate all those foods from your diet which create tummy problems for your baby, such as acidic citrus fruits, gas-producing cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage), and all allergens (soy, peanut, eggs, fish, dairy, and nuts).

Other calming remedies for colic in babies:

  • Swaddle:

Toss the blanket in your dryer. When it’s nice and warm, wrap your little one in it. This combination of warmth and security should help your baby calm and relax.

  • Get close to your baby:

Carrying or cuddling your infant not only gives them a feeling of protection and pleasure, but also help you in understating their needs. If you’re worried that too much holding can spoil your baby or make them clingy, don’t worry and put these fears aside. You are not spoiling your new one, so hold and cuddle them, which offers a soothing effect.

  • Try white noise:

White noises can also help in making your baby calm. The “hum” of the dryer and vacuum cleaner might create comfort for colic babies as it reminds them of their mother’s womb. Hence, these white voices can help your newborn fall asleep faster.

  • Play soothing music:

Studies have found that some crying babies respond to a lullaby, soft classical music, and quiet singing. Other babies like to enjoy the sounds of nature or the whir of a fan. The repeated sounds of “ahh” and “shh” can also help in drying the tears of your baby.

  • Get in motion:

You may also try swinging. Little ones feel comfortable with gentle movements, as they feel like they are present in the womb.

  • Get out of the house:

Sometimes just changing to an outdoor location magically changes the mood of your baby. Thus, put your baby in a carrier or stroller and go for a walk in the park. You can also strap them into the car seat for a drive.

  • Offer a pacifier:

Studies reveal that colicky babies want to eat all the time. This is because sucking offers a soothing effect, not because they’re hungry. Thus, if adequate feedings do not satisfy your baby, a pacifier might help.

In the bottom line:

Colic is no specific disease, so by following these simple, easy, and home-based remedies you can cope with colicky behavior in your baby. However, always consult your pediatrician before trying any type of herbal remedy or new formula.

References:

  1. What to expect. Colic in Babies: Signs, Causes, and Tips for Parents, <https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/health-and-safety/what-is-colic/> (2020, November 20,).
  2. Colic in Babies, <https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/what-is-colic#1>
  3. Gelfand, A. A. in Seminars in pediatric neurology. 79-82 (Elsevier).
  4. Illingworth, R. ‘Three Months’ Colic’. journal of archives od disease in childhood 29, 165 (1954).
  5. Campbell, J. Dietary treatment of infant colic: a double-blind study. Journal JR Coll Gen Pract 39, 11-14 (1989).

 

Categories
Common illnesses

Hemangioma – Strawberry Birthmark – Should you fear it?

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Table of Contents

What is Hemangioma – Strawberry birthmark?

Hemangiomas, or strawberry birthmarks, are commonly seen in children, occurring in approximately 5-10% of 1-year-old infants. These marks are reddish, which is the result of blood vessel collection under the skin.

Despite being called strawberry birthmarks, hemangiomas do not necessarily appear at birth, as some children may not experience them until weeks after birth.

Typically, hemangiomas are small in size, but in some cases, they may grow very large, which naturally is quite worrisome for the parents.

However, you should know that these birthmarks are benign in nature, meaning you have no reason to worry, but it is still recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to contact your baby’s pediatrician as soon as you notice strawberry-like structures on your child’s skin.

In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to identify infantile hemangiomas (I Hs), their causes, diagnosis, and available treatment options.

How to identify hemangioma

To identify strawberry birthmarks, you need to be familiar with where it might appear, as well as the types of hemangiomas there is.

As mentioned earlier, these benign tumors can appear anywhere in the body, with a special predilection towards certain areas, including:

  • Face
  • Neck
  • Scalp
  • Torso
  • Back

When you notice a reddish area on your child’s skin, try to focus on the lesion; if you see superficial blood vessels accumulated together, it is probably a hemangioma.

Note that I said “probably” because of the resemblance of this lesion with several other dermatological conditions, such as port-wine stain.

Depending on the connection of hemangiomas with other tissues, we have three types:

  • Superficial hemangiomas
    A superficial hemangioma is mostly composed of blood vessels near the outer layer of the skin (i.e. epidermis), which gives it a bright, red color and a relative elevation over the skin. In other words, if you touch the lesion, you will feel as if it’s a bump.

  • Deep hemangiomas
    Deep hemangiomas are spread into the deeper layers of the skin, including the adipose and muscular tissue. Typically, these tumors appear blue or purple, and they are also known as cavernous hemangiomas.
  • Combined hemangiomas
    If the strawberry birthmark does not qualify the two definitions above, it might the combined type.

Hemangioma

What causes hemangioma on a baby?

The exact causes of infantile hemangiomas are not yet identified; however, experts pinpointed common risk factors that may lead to this condition.

These include:

  • Caucasian children
    While this risk factor is commonly cited, evidence shows that it’s related to an increased in preterm labor incidence in white females, which is a documented risk factor for hemangiomas.
    Regardless of the underlying mechanism, infantile hemangiomas are more prevalent in white females compared to other races, especially Africans who have the lowest incidence of this condition.
  • Female gender
    Several studies confirmed that the female gender of the newborn increases the risk of developing infantile hemangiomas; however, scientists are not completely sure about the mechanism that leads to this finding.
  • Advanced maternal age
    Advanced maternal age predisposes newborns to a variety of conditions, including chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., down syndrome), maternal diseases (e.g., preeclampsia), and birth complications (e.g., postpartum hemorrhage).
    In a 2007 prospective study, researchers analyzed the risk factors of infantile hemangiomas and found that advanced maternal age (over 40 years old) may augment the prevalence of this condition.
  • Preeclampsia
    Preeclampsia is a common medical condition that occurs during pregnancy and is characterized by elevated blood pressure in the pregnant mom.
    In a 2017 study, researchers confirmed the link between preeclampsia and hemangiomas, concluding that “Early-onset pre-eclampsia is associated with increased risk of hemangioma at birth, but detection bias due to longer hospital stays and closer follow-up may be part of the reason.”
  • Prematurity
    Premature newborns are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular and respiratory problems, which is explained by the immature organ systems that are not ready for the outside environment.
    While many reputable sources linked infantine hemangiomas to premature birth, JAMA dermatology went one step further and analyzed the characteristics of hemangiomas in term and preterm babies.
    The prospective study found that the number of hemangiomas in preterm newborns surpass those observed in term babies. Additionally, the female to male ratio decreases, which means that males are as likely to develop hemangiomas as females.
  • Twin births
    Multiple pregnancy is a prenatal maternal risk factor for preeclampsia, placenta previa, and gestational diabetes. All of which increase the risk of hemangiomas in infants.
    The biological mechanism is quite complex and involves the over-secretion of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) that induce blood vessel formation and expansion in the skin, resulting in full-blown hemangiomas.
  • Taking fertility medications
    Fertility medications’ mechanism of action involves the modification of estrogen and progesterone concentration in the blood, which is thought to activate certain metabolic pathways that induce blood vessel expansion, and eventually hemangiomas.
  • Genetics
    Despite the absence of any evidence that suggests the involvement of genetics in hemangiomas, experts believe that the difference in prevalence between races can only be explained by genetic predisposition.

How to diagnose hemangioma

In most cases, the diagnosis of hemangiomas is straightforward.

When you suspect this condition and visit the pediatrician, he/she will take a look at the lesion during the physical examination to analyze its color, size, and depth.

If the doctor suspects that the strawberry birthmark extends into deeper layers of the skin, further testing might be warranted.

The most commonly ordered tests include CT scan, MRI, or a biopsy to study the cellular architecture of the tumor.

Finally, if the tumor is large enough and/or extending into deeper tissues, the doctor might recommend surgical excision, which requires brief hospitalization in a specialized surgical center.

How to treat hemangioma in babies?

The treatment options for hemangiomas are numerous due to how diverse these tumors are.

For instance, the doctor must take into account, the size, location, and invasiveness of the tumor, as well as the rate of growth before choosing the appropriate treatment approach.

Regardless of these considerations, here are the most commonly used treatments for hemangiomas:

  • Therapeutic abstinence (doing nothing)

    While this might seem counterintuitive, small hemangiomas often resolve without leaving scars, especially in areas covered by clothes. For this reason, the physician might choose to closely observe the tumor without any therapeutic intervention to make sure no complications are developing.

    If the tumor starts to grow in size or invade surrounding tissues, it might be time to consider other treatment options.

  • Beta-Blockers

    Beta-blockers are a class of medication used to treat blood hypertension, hyperthyroidism, and migraines. Since 2008, these drugs have become the number one prescribed treatment for hemangiomas. In infants who are 5 weeks of age or older, the FDA approved oral propranolol to treat IH.

    Generally speaking, the treatment lasts for 6 months taking the drug twice a day. Additionally, your pediatrician might prescribe timolol (topical form) to apply on the site of hemangioma, which is a preferred choice for small tumors.

    Both drugs proved their efficacy in slowing down the progression of hemangiomas and reducing the risk of complications.

  • Corticosteroids

    Before approving beta-blockers as a treatment of IH by the FDA, corticosteroids were the gold standard therapy.

    Physicians prescribe these drugs as monthly injections or topical use on the site of the hemangioma. However, due to the heavy side effect profile, most clinicians today favor propranolol, leaving cortisones to rare situations such as beta-blocker intolerance.

  • Phototherapy

    Phototherapy, or laser therapy, uses high-intensity beams of light to heal ulcerated hemangiomas. The mechanism of action involves the destruction and vasoconstriction (shrinking) of superficial vessels to stop the bleeding and ulcerations.

    Physicians may order laser therapy to treat all different types of IH, especially those located in the airways, risking to compromise the child’s normal breathing.

  • Surgical ablation

    The vast majority of IH do not require surgical interventions, but in some cases, the damage is too extensive to control with noninvasive treatments.

    For instance, if the hemangioma damages the surrounding tissues, threat vital functions (e.g. breathing), or cause recurrent hemorrhages (bleeding), removing the tumor becomes inevitable.

    This procedure requires general anesthesia and may lead to important scarring, which is one of the most important factors that physicians take into consideration when doing the benefit/risk analysis of the surgery.

    Conclusion

Hemangioma in babies, or strawberry birthmark, are benign tumors that often cause great concern to parents, especially those who have never heard of this condition.

The pathophysiology and causes of this condition are poorly understood, but researchers are constantly conducting studies and clinical trials to better comprehend the underlying mechanism, as well as potential treatment approaches for hemangiomas.

Hopefully, you found this article helpful and informative, but if you still have any questions, feel free to ask in the comment section below.

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Common illnesses

Chickenpox – All you need to know

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