Infantile hemangiomas: An update on pathogenesis, associations, and management

Karina L Vivar, Anthony J Mancini

Indian Journal of Paediatric Dermatology 2018 19(4):293-303

Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are the most common vascular neoplasm in infants. The typical clinical course of IH follows a pattern of growth (proliferation) followed by spontaneous involution. The majority of IH are isolated to the skin; however, some cutaneous IH can be associated with internal organ involvement or anomalies. IH which are functionally impairing, ulcerated or potentially disfiguring require therapy. Treatment options include systemic or topical beta-blockers, systemic or intralesional corticosteroids, pulsed dye laser therapy, or surgical excision. In this article, we review the updated understanding of IH pathogenesis, clinical presentations and associations, and approaches to management.