Diagnosed with an infantile hemangioma
When Israeli-born international model Coral Simanovich and her husband, Spanish soccer star Sergi Roberto, welcomed their twins May and Luca into the world, they never imagined facing a medical crisis shortly thereafter. In the first few months of his life, Luca was diagnosed with an infantile hemangioma, setting them on an unexpected journey. Dr. Hiba Za’arura, head of pediatric dermatology at Rambam Health Care Campus, weighs in.
An infantile hemangioma is a bright red mark that appears as a rubbery bump or a flat patch, most commonly on the head and neck. Though often mistaken for a tumor, it is benign. Hemangiomas are more common in girls, multiple births, and premature or low-birthweight infants, though their exact cause remains unknown. The mark typically appears at birth or within the first few weeks and grows rapidly. While most resolve on their own, complications can occur. In 5–10% of cases, the lesion can ulcerate, turning into an extremely painful, bleeding wound causing significant distress.
Seek medical attention if the lesion is large, ulcerated, bleeding, or in a sensitive area
“After just a few days of follow-up, I noticed the mark had grown,” Simanovich said on her social media. “I had never heard of an ulcerated hemangioma—suddenly, everything became complicated.” Luca’s condition worsened; “It was a very challenging time—the pain became so intense for Luca. Doctors say that even adults struggle to endure this kind of pain!”
Dr. Za’arura explains the risks: “Hemangiomas near the eyes can impair vision, while those on the nose may damage nasal cartilage. Lesions on the tongue can cause significant aesthetic concerns if not treated early.” Ulcerated hemangiomas can also lead to infection, scarring, and even hair loss.
Za’arura advises seeking medical attention if the lesion is large, ulcerated, bleeding, or in a sensitive area. “Beyond the face, hemangiomas in the genital area are particularly prone to ulceration and often require systemic treatment.”
The first-line treatment for hemangiomas is beta-blockers, originally developed for high blood pressure but now widely used for this condition. In some cases, corticosteroids may be prescribed, and laser treatments can help improve the skin’s appearance after the hemangioma shrinks—treatments can be combined. Early diagnosis and intervention lead to better outcomes, as treatment is most effective when started promptly.
Thanks to Simanovich and Roberto’s quick thinking, Luca’s hemangioma was diagnosed early and he responded well to treatment.
