Treatment of proliferative haemangiomas with the 585 nm pulsed dye laser

Haemangiomas usually develop within the first few weeks of life, most regressing spontaneously before the age of 7 years. Some may ulcerate or compromise a vital function, in which case systemic corticosteroids, surgery or radiotherapy may be helpful. All of these treatment modalities are associated with significant morbidity. Treatment with the 585 nm flashlamp pulsed dye laser is safe and effective in the management of superficial vascular malformations. We report seven patients, under 12 months of age, who presented with proliferative haemangiomas, causing functional impairment. Ulcerated lesions were present in four patients. The patients were treated with the 585 nm pulsed dye laser (fluences 7.0-9.25 J/cm2), at intervals of 4-8 weeks. All of the lesions showed a significant reduction in size, together with improvement in the colour and integrity of the overlying skin. Treatment with the 585 nm pulsed dye laser should be considered in the management of infants with early proliferative haemangiomas, in whom intervention is indicated.