Key points about strawberry naevi in babies
- strawberry naevi are common in pēpi
- they often appear in the first weeks of life
- most grow quickly, then slowly fade over time
- only some pēpi need treatment
- many fade completely by around 10 years of age
What is a strawberry naevus?
A strawberry naevus is a common type of birthmark that appears in pēpi. It looks red and raised, a bit like a strawberry.
A strawberry naevus can appear anywhere on the body. They most often develop on the head, face, or neck, but can also develop on the trunk, arms, or legs.
Other names for a strawberry naevus are:
- haemangioma/hemangioma of infancy
- infantile haemangioma
- strawberry birthmark
- strawberry mark
A baby with a strawberry naevus, also called an infantile haemangioma, on their scalp.
Source: iStock
Causes of a strawberry naevus in babies
A strawberry naevus forms when tiny blood vessels group together on or under the skin. Health professionals do not know exactly why this happens. Strawberry naevi are common in pēpi and usually harmless.
Types of infantile haemangioma in babies
Infantile haemangioma do not all look the same. They can form in different parts of the skin, which changes how they look.
An Infantile haemangioma can be:
- superficial – bright red and on the surface of the skin (like a strawberry)
- deep – bluish in colour and under the skin
- mixed – have both superficial and deep parts
Symptoms of a strawberry naevus in babies
Strawberry naevi in pēpi usually:
- show up in the first few weeks of life
- grow quickly in the first months
- then slowly shrink and fade over time
- are not painful
A strawberry naevus can:
- be bright red and raised on the surface of the skin
- look bluish or swollen if deeper in the skin
- range in size from small to large
- show up anywhere on the body, but are most common on the head, face, or neck
Most strawberry naevi do not cause any problems. Sometimes they can cause problems and need treatment if:
- they are near the eye, nose, mouth, or airway (anywhere on the face or front of the neck)
- they grow very large (especially bigger than 5cm on the body or 1cm on the face)
- they develop sores or bleeding
- they are under the nappy, or in the armpit as these areas are more likely to cause sores
- there are 5 or more strawberry birthmarks
Diagnosing a strawberry naevus in babies
Health professionals can usually diagnose a strawberry naevus by looking at it. Pēpi don’t normally need tests. Sometimes pēpi need an ultrasound if the birthmark is deep. They may also need a scan if there are concerns about where it is.
When does a strawberry naevus need treatment?
Most strawberry naevi do not need treatment.
If treatment is needed, it works best if started by 6 to 8 weeks of age.
Pēpi usually only need treatment if the birthmark:
- affects the airway or breathing
- is near the eye or blocking vision
- is on the mouth or lip
- is in the nappy area or armpit, where they may develop sores
- is in a cosmetically sensitive area – such as the nose, lip, cheek, ear
- Is large - bigger than 5 cm
- If there are 5 or more strawberry marks
If your child’s birthmark has any of these features, see your health professional. Treatment works best when started early.
Treating a strawberry naevus in babies
Health professionals can treat strawberry naevi in different ways. If your child needs treatment, your health professional will discuss the options.
Medicines
The most common treatment is a type of medicine called a beta-blocker. It works by shrinking the blood vessels in the birthmark. This can slow or stop its growth and help it fade. Pēpi usually take this medicine as a liquid by mouth. This medicine works best if started by 6 to 8 weeks of age, and is usually continued until tamariki (children)are over 12 months old.
Topical medicine
Topical medicine can sometimes help if the birthmark is small and flat. It may slow and stop the birthmark from growing. You put this medicine on the surface of the skin.
Laser therapy
Laser treatment may help if there is redness left behind after the birthmark has faded.
Surgery
Health professionals may recommend surgery if:
- other treatments haven't worked
- sores won’t heal
- your child's birthmark hasn't gone away and they are over 5 years of age
- the birthmark has left loose skin
- the birthmark has left some scarring
How long does a strawberry naevus last for
A strawberry naevus usually grows during a child’s first 6 months. After this, strawberry naevi slowly shrink and fade over several years. Most are much smaller by the time a child starts school. Many fade completely by around 10 years of age. Some may leave behind a faint mark, a change in skin texture, or a bit of loose skin.
If your child has a strawberry naevus on their scalp, their hair should grow normally once the strawberry mark has faded.
Other types of birthmarks in babies
Not all birthmarks are a strawberry naevus. Your health professional can help you work out which type of birthmark your child has.
Other common types include the following.
Port-wine stains
These are flat, purple-red birthmarks that do not fade.
Salmon patches
These are flat pink patches that often fade in the first years of life.
Moles
Moles are brown or black marks on the skin. They may be present at birth or appear later.
