Strawberry Nevi: A Harmless Birth Mark

Introduction

A bruise is a patch of skin that a baby has before or shortly after giving birth. Moles are flat or raised, have regular or irregular borders, and vary in color from brown, tan, black, or light blue to pink, red, or purple. Most moles are harmless and may disappear on their own or even shrink over time. Moles may be associated with other health problems.

What are the different types of moles?

There are two main types of moles, each with a different cause.

• Vascular Nevus - It occurs when blood vessels do not form properly. Too many or wider than normal.

• Pigmented Birthmarks - They are caused by an overgrowth of pigment (color)-producing cells in the skin.

• Vascular - The most common vascular (vascular) bruises are macula, hemangioma, and port-wine staining macula. These faint red spots, also called salmon spots, angel kisses, or stork bites, are the most common type of vascular bruise. Macular spots usually appear on the forehead or eyelids, neck, nose, upper lip, or the back of the head. It can be more noticeable when the baby is crying. In most cases, it disappears spontaneously by the time the child is one to two years old, but some persist into adulthood.

• Hemangioma - They are superficial if they are at the surface of the skin “strawberry spots”, deep if they are below the surface of the skin, or complex if they affect both layers. Hemangiomas are slightly raised, bright red, and usually not apparent until days or weeks after the baby is born. Deep hemangioma may appear bluish because it affects the blood vessels in the deeper layers of the skin.

• Port Wine Stain - This discoloration looks like a wine spill on any part of the body, most commonly the face, neck, arms, or legs. Port wine stains can be any size, but as the child grows, they tend to darken over time and, if left untreated, can thicken and feel like pebbles by middle age. They are unlikely to go away on their own. The doctor will make sure they aren't causing problems near the eyes. Other tests (such as magnetic resonance imaging) may be needed if the port wine stain affects certain parts of the face.

• Cafe Au Lait Spots - These very common stains are the color of coffee with milk which explains the name. They can be found anywhere on the body and increase in number as the child ages. There is no problem even if they are alone.

• Mongolian Spot - These flat, bluish-gray spots are common on the lower back. It is commonly seen in dark-skinned children such as Asians, Native Americans, Africans, Hispanics, and Southern Europeans. They usually go away, often completely, by school age without treatment.

• Mole - Also called congenital nevus or hairy nevus. A mole is a general term for brown spots called a nevus. Most people get bruises at some point in their lives. A birthmark present at birth is called a congenital nevus and remains for life. Although the risk is still low, large or massive birthmarks increase the chance of developing skin cancer (melanoma) later in life. The risk may be slightly higher if the birthmark is small. Moles may be tan, brown, or black; flat or raised; and may grow hair.

What Is Strawberry Nevi?

A strawberry nevus (hemangioma) is a reddish birthmark named for its color. This skin redness comes from collections of blood vessels near the surface of the skin. These bruises are most common in young children and infants. Although called a birthmark, strawberry nevi do not always appear at birth. This mark may also appear when the child is a few weeks old. They are usually harmless and usually disappear by the time the child is ten years old. If not, removal options are available to minimize the appearance of the mole.

What Are the Causes of Strawberry Nevi?

A strawberry nevus appears when excess blood vessels accumulate. The reason for this is unknown. There are rare cases where more than one person in the family has hemangiomas, and genetics may play a role. The exact cause of these skin lesions is currently under investigation.

What Are the Symptoms of a Strawberry Nevi?

The signs and symptoms of strawberry nevi are listed below:

• Bruises can be anywhere, but the most common locations are the face, scalp, back, and chest.

• At a closer look, one can see thin blood vessels are densely packed.

• It may resemble many other types of red birthmarks.

• Strawberry nevi can be superficial, deep, or combined.

• A superficial hemangioma may be flush with the child's skin or may protrude from the skin.

• They are usually bright red.

• Deep hemangioma occupies a deeper tissue space.

• It often appears blue or purple.

• A compound hemangioma is a mixture of superficial and deep hemangioma.

• Port wine stains (red or purple bruises) are different from strawberry birthmarks. This is because port wine stains usually appear on the face and are permanent.

How Is Strawberry Nevi Diagnosed?

The doctor can make the diagnosis during a physical examination. In some cases, doctors may recommend testing to ensure the tag has not penetrated deeply into other tissues.

If the child's doctor suspects the mark is deep in or near a vital organ, it may need to be removed. This usually requires treatment at a specialized medical center. Tests to determine the depth of the hemangiomas include the following:

• Biopsy (Removal of Tissue) - A biopsy is a sample of tissue removed from the body for a more detailed examination. A doctor should recommend a biopsy if the initial analysis suggests that an area of ​​tissue in the body is abnormal.

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan - It is a diagnostic imaging test that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to make pictures of the body. View detailed images of every part of your body, including bones, muscles, fat, organs, and blood vessels.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan - It is a non-invasive medical imaging test that produces detailed images of nearly every internal structure of the human body, including organs, bones, muscles, and blood vessels. MRI scanners use large magnets and radio waves to create images of the body.

What Is the Treatment of Strawberry Nevi?

People with strawberry nevi do not require treatment. The doctor may recommend early treatment if the hemangiomas are affecting the sight, hearing, breathing, eating, and other bodily functions or if it is having a huge impact on appearance and self-esteem and it is fast growing or big.

Treatment of hemangiomas includes:

• Beta-blockers (oral Propranolol) or topical Timolol.

• Laser treatment.

• Surgical excision.

What Are the Complications of Strawberry Nevi?

Strawberry nevi can cause the following complications:

• Development of Strawberry Nevi Near the Eye - Strawberry nevi can spread into the orbit and compress the eye, affecting vision. It increases the risk of problems such as glaucoma and lazy eye (amblyopia).

• Development of Strawberry Nevi inside the Mouth - Strawberry hemangiomas in or near the mouth can spread into the airways and interfere with breathing and eating.

• Easily Rupture - Hemangioma skin is easily ruptured by impact. These wounds often take longer to heal, increasing the risk of infection.

• Effects on Self-Esteem - Hemangiomas on the face can affect a child's self-confidence, especially if they are teased by peers. They may feel depressed or anxious.

Conclusion

Strawberry nevi are common in children and are harmless. These benign tumors usually go away eventually without treatment. If a person has serious fast-growing nevi that affect their appearance and self-esteem, the doctor may recommend treatment. Medications can shrink strawberry nevi and make them less noticeable. Doctors often treat hemangiomas that grow near the eyes or mouth to prevent vision and breathing problems. They can be treated with laser and surgical removal as well. Prevention of a strawberry hemangioma is not possible.