DON'T WAIT, TAKE ACTION: Often, parents are given the advice, "Leave it alone; it will go away." However, as treatments are continually advancing, this is becoming an unacceptable practice. Hemangiomas grow for up to 12 months and then start to regress; however, that regression can be slow for some patients. Even after regressing, hemangiomas typically still aren't cosmetically acceptable for many patients.
TREATMENT: There are several ways hemangiomas can be treated. During its growing phase, patients may be prescribed steroids to help slow down the growth of the hemangioma. They can be removed surgically, but many doctors opt for laser treatments. The pulsed dye laser (PDL) is used to treat superficial components and reduce redness. It is sometimes used in combination with other treatments. Other types of lasers that are used include the Nd:YAG for treating deep hemangiomas such as in the oral cavity and larynx and the C02 or Erbium lasers for treating scar tissue and improving skin texture.
? For More Information, Contact:
Roper St. Francis Healthcare Physician Referral
Charleston, SC
(800) 863-CARE (2273)