Background: Hemangiomas are the most common tumors occurring in young child
ren. The most common complication in the growing phase of hemangioma is ulc
eration. Aim and Method: We report healing, pain relief and evolutive effec
ts 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 obs
erved. An increased regression was also noted within 2-4 months, when the h
emangiomas were in the normal proliferative phase. Conclusion: As far as th
e authors know, there is no explanation for the effectiveness of polyuretha
ne film. Explanations could be the occlusive effects of the film inhibiting
proliferation or the decrease in blood flow. As primary initial therapeuti
c approach in ulcerative hemangiomas, we advocate the application of a poly
urethane film. This therapy is painless and suitable for children. Copyrigh
t (R) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.