STRAWBERRY MARKS

Hemangiomas or red birthmarks are benign tumors caused by an abnormal number of blood vessels in the skin resulting from abnormal proliferation. They may either be superficial in nature or reside deep within the skin. Superficial hemangiomas, which are commonly known as strawberry marks, are raised and bright red. They usually develop at approximately age six months, then begin to subside and fade until they totally disappear by around age seven. They do not require treatment unless they interfere with a vital function such as when they block vision. Deep (or cavernous) hemangiomas are bluepurple growths that do not spontaneously clear. They may be treated with a number of aggressive therapies available at medical centers.