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Hemangioma (strawberry mark)

Also called: Hemangioma, strawberry mark, vascular birthmark

A bright red, raised birthmark made of blood vessels that grows in the first months, then slowly shrinks.

GrowsFirst 3 to 5 months
ShrinksOver years
TreatmentUsually none; propranolol for some

Overview

Infantile hemangiomas appear in the first weeks, grow for 3 to 5 months, then slowly shrink over years.

Ones near the eyes, lips, nose, or diaper area, or very large ones, may need treatment.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Red, raised birthmark

Less common

  • Sores on the mark

Look up a symptom: Red spot, bump, or patch on the skin

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayBleeding or a sore on it.
See a doctor soonNear the eye, lip, or growing fast.

Causes

Blood vessel growth.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Girls
  • Premature babies

Diagnosis

A clinician examines.

Treatment

Watch it.

Self-care

  • Take photos to track it
  • Keep the skin clean and moisturized
  • Watch for sores

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Propranolol
Large or risky ones

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

  • There is no known way to prevent it. Early checkups help find it sooner.

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Premature girls: More common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most fade.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • Does it need propranolol?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Hemangioma (strawberry mark)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.