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Infantile haemangioma is the most common blood vessel birth mark in infants. It appears shortly after birth and grows rapidly over a period of a few weeks to months. This phase is followed by a period of very slow reduction in the size of the birth mark and a change in its colour (from bright red to mottled red and skin coloured).
Treatment options depend on the number of haemangiomas and their location and size. Almost all haemangiomas eventually go away without treatment so many cases do not need to be treated.
However, if haemangiomas cause problems there are 2 main treatments. These are a topical treatment called Timolol (applied directly to the haemangioma) and oral called Propranalol (given by mouth). We tend to use Timolol for treating smaller haemangiomas and propranolol for the larger ones.
Timolol is a medication that belongs to a group of medicines called beta blockers (propranolol is also a beta blocker) which have been used for many years to treat high blood pressure and certain heart problems.
They work in these conditions by affecting blood flow in blood vessels. The effect of beta blockers on haemangiomas was discovered by chance. We still do not fully understand how beta blockers work on haemangiomas but it is likely it is through a similar direct effect on blood vessels.
The Timolol we prescribe to treat haemangiomas is usually used to treat high pressure in the eye. Although the product is labelled as eye drops, because it turns to a gel on contact with the skin, it is suitable for use on haemangiomas.
Topical treatment with timolol is safe but can very rarely cause the following side effects:
If you suspect that your child is experiencing any of the above symptoms, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or contact us on the telephone numbers given at the end of this leaflet.
No tests are needed before starting treatment with timolol.
Timolol will be applied as one drop to the surface of the haemangioma and rubbed on the skin (as it forms a gel) 2 times per day for up to 6 months. This can be extended to a year if there are clear signs of improvement.
Please wash your hands with soap and water before and after putting timolol on your child’s skin.
Your child will be reviewed in the dermatology clinics around every 3 months depending on the requirement of each case. It is very important not to stop your treatment unless you discuss this with the dermatology team.
Dermatology secretaries: 0114 226 7870
Dermatology nurses: 0114 226 7850 or 0114 271 7000 and ask for bleep 161
Please note: this is a generic information sheet relating to care at Sheffield Children’s NHS FT. These details may not reflect treatment at other hospitals. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professionals’ instructions. If this resource relates to medicines, please read it alongside the medicine manufacturer’s patient information leaflet. If this information has been translated into another language from English, efforts have been made to maintain accuracy, but there may still be some translation errors. If you are unsure about any of the guidance in this resource or have specific questions about how it relates to your child, always ask your healthcare professional for further advice.
Resource number: DM12
Resource Type: Article
Western Bank
Sheffield
S10 2TH
United Kingdom
Switchboard: 0114 271 7000
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