Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 14, 2025
Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
Atypical development and swift resolution of an ulcerated hemangioma: a case report
Konstantine Chakhunashvili1,2, Eka Kvirkvelia3, Davit G Chakhunashvili4,5
1Caucasus University, Tbilisi, Georgia. kchakhunashvili@cu.edu.ge.
Insights
Topical timolol effectively healed an infant hemangioma that ulcerated despite other treatments. This case highlights the importance of using proven topical ointments for infantile hemangiomas to prevent complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Infantile hemangiomas are common pediatric vascular tumors.
- Ulceration is a frequent complication, typically occurring at 2-3 months of age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of infantile hemangioma with unusual ulceration.
- To evaluate the efficacy of topical timolol and mupirocin in treating ulcerated infantile hemangioma.
Main Methods:
- A case study of a Caucasian male infant with a developing hemangioma.
- Initial treatment failed, leading to ulceration.
- Treatment with topical timolol and mupirocin was initiated at 6 weeks of age.
Main Results:
- The infantile hemangioma ulcerated at 4 weeks of age despite initial treatment.
- Topical timolol and mupirocin led to complete healing within 4 weeks.
- Continued application of timolol prevented further ulceration during follow-up.
Conclusions:
- The cause of unusual ulcer development in this infantile hemangioma case remains unknown.
- Physicians should exercise caution when prescribing topical ointments for hemangioma treatment.
- Only use treatments with proven efficacy and safety for infantile hemangiomas.
Background:
Infantile hemangiomas are considered as the most common benign vascular tumors in pediatric patients. Ulceration is one of the most frequent complications that typically occur at 2-3 months after birth.
Case Presentation:
A Caucasian Georgian male infant started to develop a hemangioma at 5 days old. At 3 weeks old, a pediatrician diagnosed it, and the patient was referred to a dermatologist. A week after starting initial treatment, at 4 weeks of age, the hemangioma ulcerated. Despite changing the initial treatment, the ulceration worsened. At 6 weeks old, topical timolol and mupirocin were initiated, leading to complete healing within 4 weeks. Timolol is still being applied, and follow-up visits showed no further ulceration.
Conclusion:
Although the exact cause of the unusual ulcer development is unknown, we advise physicians to avoid prescribing topical ointments that have not been proven effective and safe for treating hemangioma.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
01:30Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...