Early Presentation of an Ulcerated Infantile Haemangioma in a Newborn

Abstract

Infantile haemangiomas (IHs) are the most common benign soft tissue tumours in children. Usually, they evolve without clinical incurrences and regression of the lesion can occur spontaneously in the first years of life. The decision for treatment is dependent upon the intrinsic characteristics of the lesion such as location, extension, functional compromise and complications.We present the case of a newborn who was clinically accessed during ambulatory routine consultation when a lesion with 5x5 centimetres compatible with an IH was first observed. Inflammatory signs with no active bleeding were present and the newborn displayed signs of discomfort during a diaper change and manipulation of the anogenital area. For this reason, a referral was made for observation in a central hospital with specialised paediatrics, paediatric surgery and dermatology support. A 10-day antibiotic course with flucloxacillin and local topical care with silver sulfadiazine cream and barrier cream with zinc oxide were adopted, achieving a good clinical outcome. Laboratory workup, cardiovascular assessment, imagiological investigation with abdominopelvic and spinal cord ultrasonography as well as lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging were all normal.Ulceration is the most prevalent complication of IHs and it is associated with pain, recurrent bleeding, infection and difficult scarring, thus early recognition and directed treatment are essential to achieve a good clinical outcome.