Infantile hemangiomas are red or purple growths that sometimes appear on newborns' skin. While many fade naturally, some need treatment—particularly if they're near the eyes, mouth, or growing rapidly. If your baby has been diagnosed, your paediatrician may have offered one of two medicines: propranolol (a beta-blocker) or prednisone (a steroid).
Researchers in China recently studied 150 infants receiving treatment for these growths. Half received propranolol and half received prednisone, with results tracked over 3–6 months. The findings give parents clear evidence to inform treatment discussions with their doctor.
Propranolol shrank growths better and caused fewer infections
Babies on propranolol showed significantly better clinical outcomes—the growths shrank more effectively than in the prednisone group. More importantly for daily family life, babies on prednisone caught respiratory tract infections (colds, coughs) much more frequently than those on propranolol. For working parents already balancing medical appointments and childcare, fewer infections means fewer sick days and less disruption.
Growth and development markers favoured propranolol
The differences extended beyond treating the hemangioma itself. Babies on propranolol grew taller, gained more weight, and had larger head circumference measurements compared to the prednisone group. When researchers assessed developmental milestones using standardised tests, propranolol-treated babies scored higher across all areas: gross motor skills (rolling, sitting, standing), fine motor skills (grasping, reaching), language, self-care abilities, and social skills.
What this means for your family's next steps
This research was conducted in China with 150 infants over a relatively short period, so larger, longer studies would strengthen the findings further. However, the evidence is substantial enough to guide your conversations with your paediatrician or dermatologist. Singapore's healthcare system typically offers both options, giving you the opportunity to discuss which treatment aligns best with your child's needs.
- Ask your paediatrician or dermatologist whether propranolol is suitable for your baby's specific hemangioma, based on these findings showing better growth and fewer infections.
- Discuss the infection risk difference between treatments, particularly if your family has limited childcare flexibility or multiple young children at home.
- Request information about monitoring your baby's growth and development during whichever treatment your doctor recommends.