Diagnosis and Management of Infantile Hemangiomas in the Neonate

Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are a common benign tumor of infancy, most being uncomplicated and not requiring therapy. Some IH may require treatment; the pediatric provider must be familiar with morphology, distribution, natural history, and associations of IH. Several treatment options are available for IH: current standard of care, oral propranolol. Other therapies include wound care; topical beta-blocker therapy for small, superficial, and uncomplicated IH; treatment of IH residua. In addition to functional compromise and other complications, potential for permanent deformity and eventual psychosocial stigmatization are important when considering the need for treatment of IH in a neonate or infant.