If your baby has been diagnosed with an infantile hemangioma—those red or purple birthmark-like growths that sometimes appear on newborns—you may have been offered one of two medicines: propranolol or prednisone. Both are used to help these growths shrink, but a new study from Frontiers in Public Health reveals that one may be significantly better for your child's overall health and development.
What the Research Found
Researchers in China studied 150 infants treated for hemangiomas over a two-year period. Half received propranolol (a beta-blocker medication), and half received prednisone (a steroid). After 3–6 months of treatment, the results were clear: propranolol worked better at shrinking the hemangiomas and, importantly, had fewer negative effects on the babies' health.
Here's what stood out:
- Better at treating the hemangioma: Babies on propranolol showed significantly better clinical outcomes than those on prednisone.
- Fewer infections: Babies on prednisone caught respiratory tract infections (colds, coughs) much more often than those on propranolol. This is a big deal for parents—fewer sick days means less worry and disruption to family life.
- Better growth: Babies on propranolol grew taller, gained more weight, and had larger head circumference measurements than babies on prednisone.
- Better development: When researchers assessed the babies' developmental milestones using a standard test, those on propranolol scored higher in all areas: gross motor skills (rolling, sitting, standing), fine motor skills (grasping, reaching), language, adaptive behavior (self-care skills), and social skills.
Why This Matters for Singapore Families
In Singapore and across Asia, hemangiomas are a common concern for new parents. While these growths are usually harmless and many disappear on their own, some need treatment—especially if they're in sensitive areas like near the eyes, mouth, or if they're growing rapidly.
This research is significant because it suggests that if your child needs treatment, propranolol may be the safer, more effective choice. The differences aren't small: better growth, fewer infections, and better developmental progress are outcomes that matter deeply to every parent. For families juggling work, school runs, and other children, fewer respiratory infections means fewer medical appointments and sick days off work.
Singapore's healthcare system typically offers both treatment options. If your pediatrician or dermatologist recommends treatment for your baby's hemangioma, you now have evidence-based information to discuss which option might be best for your child.
Important Context
While these findings are encouraging, researchers note that the study followed babies for a relatively short period (3–6 months). They're calling for larger, longer studies to confirm these results. This doesn't mean the findings are unreliable—it simply means more research will help us understand the long-term picture even better.
What You Can Do Now
- Know your options: If your baby has been diagnosed with a hemangioma, ask your doctor whether treatment is necessary. Not all hemangiomas need treatment—many fade naturally by age 5–7 years.
- Ask the right questions: If treatment is recommended, discuss both propranolol and prednisone with your pediatrician. Share this research with them and ask which option they would recommend for your baby and why. Every baby is different, and your doctor knows your child's specific situation best.
- Monitor growth and health: Whether your child receives treatment or not, regular check-ups with your pediatrician are important. Track your baby's growth (height, weight, head size) and developmental milestones—these are key signs that your child is thriving.