Infantile haemangiomas IHs occur in approximately 4% to 5% of infants, making them the most common benign tumour of childhood.

Most IHs are small, innocuous, self-resolving, and require no treatment. However, because of their size or location, a significant minority of IHs are potentially problematic.

They are more common in girls, twins, infants born preterm or with low birth weight (up to 30% of infants born weighing <1 kg are affected), and white neonates. The pathogenesis of IHs has yet to be fully defined. A leading hypothesis is that circulating endothelial progenitor cells migrate to locations in which conditions (e.g. hypoxia and developmental field disturbances) are favourable for growth.

Knowledge about IHs has advanced dramatically in the past decade, particularly regarding the unique timing and nature of proliferation and involution, risks of sequel, and newer treatment options. As a result, paediatric providers have an opportunity to improve care and reduce morbidity in infants with IHs by promptly recognizing which IHs are potentially high risk and when intervention is needed.