Is that red spot a hemangioma? Why it grows and the medical steps to treat it.

Is That Red Spot a Hemangioma? Why It Grows and How It's Treated

Seeing a new red spot on your skin — or your child's — can be concerning. One common cause is a hemangioma, a type of benign (non-cancerous) growth made up of extra blood vessels. But not every red mark is a hemangioma, and understanding the difference matters.

Below, we'll explain what a hemangioma is, why it grows, how doctors diagnose it, and what medical steps are available if treatment is needed.

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What Is a Hemangioma?

A hemangioma is a growth formed by an abnormal buildup of blood vessels. It is considered a vascular tumor, but importantly, it is benign — meaning it is not cancer.

Hemangiomas are most common in:

• Infants (infantile hemangiomas)
• Children under 1 year old
• Occasionally adults (often called cherry hemangiomas)

They usually appear as:

• A bright red, raised spot on the skin ("strawberry mark")
• A flat red or purple patch
• A bluish swelling under the skin
• A small, dome-shaped red bump (common in adults)

Infantile hemangiomas are the most studied and occur in about 4–5% of infants, according to major pediatric research organizations.

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Is That Red Spot a Hemangioma?

A red spot could be a hemangioma, but it could also be:

• A birthmark
• A vascular malformation
• A skin infection
• A rash
• A cherry angioma (common in adults)
• Rarely, another type of vascular tumor

Signs It May Be a Hemangioma

• Appears within the first few weeks of life (for infants)
• Grows rapidly during the first few months
• Has a bright red, raised appearance
• Feels soft and compressible
• Blanches (turns pale) when pressed

Adult hemangiomas (often cherry hemangiomas) are typically:

• Small
• Bright red or purple
• Dome-shaped
• Non-painful

If you're noticing unusual red spots or marks and want to explore whether they could be related to Vascular Tumors (Hemangioma, Vascular Malformations, etc.), a free online symptom checker can help you understand possible causes and prepare questions before your doctor's visit.

However, online tools are not a substitute for medical evaluation.

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Why Does a Hemangioma Grow?

The exact cause of a hemangioma is not fully understood, but research shows it involves abnormal blood vessel development.

In Infants

Infantile hemangiomas follow a predictable growth pattern:

1. Proliferative phase (rapid growth)

   • Occurs in the first 3–6 months of life
   • Can continue up to 12 months
   • Blood vessels multiply quickly

2. Plateau phase

   • Growth slows or stops

3. Involution phase (shrinkage)

   • Begins around age 1
   • Gradual shrinking over several years
   • Many resolve significantly by age 5–10

Why does this happen?

Experts believe hemangiomas develop due to:

• Abnormal signals that stimulate blood vessel growth
• Changes in oxygen levels during development
• Genetic and environmental influences

Importantly, parents do not cause hemangiomas through anything they did or did not do.

In Adults

Adult hemangiomas (cherry angiomas) may develop due to:

• Aging
• Genetic factors
• Hormonal changes
• Unknown triggers

They usually do not go through the dramatic growth and shrinkage cycle seen in infants.

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When Is a Hemangioma a Problem?

Most hemangiomas are harmless and do not require treatment. However, some can cause complications depending on:

• Size
• Location
• Rate of growth

Situations That May Require Medical Attention

• Near the eye (can affect vision)
• Inside the mouth or airway
• In the diaper area (prone to ulceration)
• Rapid growth causing skin breakdown
• Bleeding that does not stop
• Signs of infection
• Large facial hemangiomas (may be associated with rare syndromes)

While serious complications are uncommon, early evaluation is important if the hemangioma:

• Grows very quickly
• Interferes with breathing, feeding, or vision
• Becomes painful or ulcerated

If you notice any of these warning signs, speak to a doctor promptly.

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How Is a Hemangioma Diagnosed?

In most cases, a doctor can diagnose a hemangioma simply by examining it.

Sometimes additional tests are needed:

• Ultrasound – to evaluate depth and blood flow
• MRI – if the lesion is large, deep, or near critical structures
• Eye exam – if near the eye
• Liver ultrasound – if multiple skin hemangiomas are present

Biopsy is rarely needed.

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Medical Steps to Treat a Hemangioma

Treatment depends on whether the hemangioma is causing problems.

1. Watchful Waiting (Most Common)

For many infantile hemangiomas:

• No treatment is needed
• Regular monitoring is sufficient
• Most shrink significantly over time

Doctors may schedule follow-ups during the rapid growth phase.

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2. Beta-Blocker Medications (First-Line Treatment)

The most common treatment for problematic infantile hemangiomas is propranolol, a beta-blocker medication.

It works by:

• Narrowing blood vessels
• Slowing growth signals
• Promoting shrinkage

It is typically given orally and monitored carefully by a physician.

For smaller lesions, a topical beta-blocker (such as timolol gel) may be used.

This treatment has significantly improved outcomes and is considered safe when properly supervised.

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3. Laser Therapy

Laser treatment may be used for:

• Superficial hemangiomas
• Residual redness after shrinkage
• Ulcerated areas

Laser therapy helps reduce redness and improve appearance but may not remove deeper tissue.

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4. Corticosteroids (Less Common Today)

Before beta-blockers became standard, steroids were used. They are now generally reserved for cases where beta-blockers are not appropriate.

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5. Surgery

Surgery is uncommon but may be considered if:

• The hemangioma causes functional problems
• There is significant leftover tissue after involution
• There is disfigurement

Surgical decisions are made carefully, especially in children.

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Do Hemangiomas Go Away on Their Own?

Most infantile hemangiomas improve without intervention.

• About 50% resolve significantly by age 5
• About 70% by age 7
• Many continue improving through age 10

However, some may leave behind:

• Loose skin
• Slight discoloration
• Scar tissue

Adult cherry hemangiomas do not usually disappear but are harmless unless they bleed or are cosmetically bothersome.

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When Should You Speak to a Doctor?

You should speak to a doctor if:

• The hemangioma grows rapidly
• It is near the eyes, nose, mouth, or airway
• It bleeds heavily
• It becomes painful or infected
• Your child has multiple hemangiomas
• You are unsure what the red spot is

While most hemangiomas are not dangerous, certain locations can become serious if ignored. Early evaluation can prevent complications.

If you notice difficulty breathing, vision changes, or severe bleeding, seek urgent medical care.

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Key Takeaways

• A hemangioma is a benign growth of extra blood vessels.
• Infantile hemangiomas often grow quickly, then shrink over time.
• Most do not require treatment.
• Beta-blockers are the primary medical treatment when needed.
• Location and growth rate determine risk.
• Medical evaluation is important for rapidly growing or high-risk lesions.

If you're uncertain about a red spot or other concerning skin changes, using a resource like the free Vascular Tumors (Hemangioma, Vascular Malformations, etc.) symptom checker can help you gather information and make a more informed decision about when to seek care.

Above all, speak to a doctor about any lesion that changes quickly, causes symptoms, or could affect breathing, vision, or overall health. Early assessment brings clarity — and in most cases, reassurance.