Treatment and pain relief of ulcerative hemangiomas with a polyurethane film

Background: Hemangiomas are the most common tumors occurring in young children. The most common complication in the growing phase of hemangioma is ulceration. Aim and Method: We report healing, pain relief and evolutive effects of a polyurethane film in 8 cases with ulcerative hemangiomas. Results: In all 8 infants, prompt pain relief and healing within 1-2 months were observed. An increased regression was also noted within 2-4 months, when the hemangiomas were in the normal proliferative phase. Conclusion: As far as the authors know, there is no explanation for the effectiveness of polyurethane film. Explanations could be the occlusive effects of the film inhibiting proliferation or the decrease in blood flow. As primary initial therapeutic approach in ulcerative hemangiomas, we advocate the application of a polyurethane film. This therapy is painless and suitable for children. Copyright (R) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.