What causes hemangioma in babies?

Infant hemangiomas may be related to a variety of factors such as genetics, environment, and physiology. Treatments include medication, laser therapy, and surgery. Infant hemangiomas are a common benign tumor that usually appears at birth or shortly after birth and appear as red or purple patches on the skin or mucous membranes. Although most hemangiomas will resolve on their own, some require medical intervention.

1. Genetic factors: Some babies are born with hemangiomas due to genetics, and babies with a family history of hemangiomas have a higher risk of developing the disease. Studies have shown that certain gene mutations may lead to abnormal proliferation of vascular endothelial cells and the formation of hemangiomas.

2. Environmental factors: Maternal exposure to certain chemicals, radiation or infection during pregnancy may increase the risk of hemangioma in the baby. For example, taking certain medications or being exposed to high doses of radiation during pregnancy may affect the development of fetal blood vessels.

3. Physiological factors: Changes in hormone levels in the baby after birth may promote the formation of hemangiomas. Increased estrogen levels are believed to be related to the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells, leading to the occurrence of hemangiomas.

4. Trauma: The baby may suffer minor trauma during delivery, which may stimulate abnormal proliferation of vascular endothelial cells and form hemangiomas.

5. Pathological factors: Certain diseases or pathological conditions may increase the risk of hemangiomas in infants. For example, premature infants or infants with low birth weight are more likely to develop hemangiomas.

Treatments include medication, laser therapy, and surgery. Propranolol is commonly used in medication to reduce blood supply to the tumor by constricting blood vessels; laser therapy is suitable for superficial hemangiomas, destroying abnormal blood vessels through laser energy; surgery is used for larger hemangiomas or those that affect function, and the tumor is removed surgically. In terms of diet, breastfeeding is recommended, and increasing the intake of foods rich in vitamins C and E, such as citrus fruits and nuts, is helpful for vascular health. In terms of exercise, appropriate infant massage and passive exercise can promote blood circulation.

Although infantile hemangiomas are common, most of them will disappear on their own without special treatment. For cases that require intervention, timely medical treatment and choosing appropriate treatment methods according to the doctor's advice can effectively control the disease and reduce complications.