Capillary hemangioma (strawberry mark) of infancy: comparison of argon and Nd:YAG laser treatment.

Abstract

Capillary hemangioma of infancy (strawberry mark) is a self-limiting problem, and conservative treatment is recommended. These birthmarks can be associated with a great deal of morbidity. There is definitely a role for a palliative form of treatment without systemic complications or destruction of adjacent tissue. In a 6-year period, 55 patients received 57 Nd:YAG or argon laser treatments. Thirty patients received 31 argon treatments, and 25 patients received 26 Nd:YAG treatments; and 2 received first argon with subsequent Nd:YAG treatments. Although more dramatic successes were noted in the Nd:YAG laser, complications were more frequent and severe. Complications included delayed healing, postoperative bleeding, and some hypertrophic scarring. Complications were seen in 12 percent of all patients, 9 percent of these associated with the Nd:YAG laser.

• Authors: B M Achauer, V M Vander Kam
• Journal: Plastic and reconstructive surgery (Plast Reconstr Surg) Vol. 84 Issue 1 Pg. 60-9; discussion 70 (Jul 1989) ISSN: 0032-1052 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2734405 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Topics

• Child, Preschool
• Follow-Up Studies
• Hemangioma (pathology, surgery)
• Humans
• Infant
• Infant, Newborn
• Laser Therapy (instrumentation, methods)
• Postoperative Complications
• Skin Neoplasms (pathology, surgery)