Management of Capillary Hemangioma with Herbal Remedies

Capillary Hemangioma: Abstract

Capillary Hemangioma is a commonly-occurring benign tumor that affects infants. It is considered a common eyelid and orbital tumor of childhood. Capillary Hemangioma is commonly called ‘Strawberry birthmark.’ It is also known by some other names, like Infantile Hemangioma, Juvenile Hemangioma, Hypertrophic Hemangioma, etc. The potential risk of developing Capillary Hemangioma is fairly high in babies who are born prematurely, and those who have a low birth weight. Moreover, infant girls are three times more likely to develop the condition as compared to infant boys. But this condition can be managed using Ayurvedic treatment

Capillary Hemangioma: Introduction

• Capillary Hemangioma is a vascular anomaly. It is a common type of hemangioma, which is a non-cancerous condition characterized by an abnormal overgrowth of small blood vessels, leading to an unusual proliferation of normal tissue in the endothelial cells. This hemangioma is categorized on the basis of its location mainly on the upper eyelid or the eyebrow.

• In infants affected by Capillary Hemangioma, the tumor is typically marked by the appearance of red, raised, large-sized nodular lesions on the skin (cutaneous lesions). The lesions may also appear under the surface of the skin (subcutaneous lesions). These lesions are dark blue or purple in color and give the impression of a blood-filled soggy mass. Besides cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions, Capillary Hemangioma may also manifest as an orbital lesion which extends into the orbit and causes proptosis without overlying skin findings.

• The incidence of Capillary Hemangioma is fairly high in infants; with around 10% children developing orbit and eyelid hemangiomas before they are one year old. In fact, orbit and eyelid hemangiomas account for nearly one in every ten reported cases of systemic hemangiomas.

• Though Capillary Hemangioma largely affects infants, the tumor is not present in babies at the time of birth. The lumpy lesions usually appear in the affected babies within the first six months of their life. Initially, the lesions grow rapidly in size but start shrinking when the affected child is around 15 months old. In approximately 60% of the cases, the tumor completely regresses by the time the child is 5-6 years old. However, the involved skin may sometimes appear to be slightly raised or discolored even after the hemangioma resolves.

Capillary Hemangioma: Causes

The exact cause behind the occurrence of Capillary Hemangioma is not clearly known. Nevertheless, doctors believe that the tumor apparently has a genetic component because it appears to run in families in some cases.

In addition, the occurrence of the lesions in infants affected by Capillary Hemangioma is markedly spontaneous. When the lesions first become noticeable, they look like a compact shell of fleshy endothelial cells, with the almost negligible vascular lumen. Subsequently, once the tumor is established, the lesions consist of dense, endothelium-lined capillary channels of different sizes in a lobular arrangement.

Capillary Hemangioma: Symptoms

The key symptom of Capillary Hemangioma is the appearance of raised, lumpy lesions (tumor) on or under the skin of the affected infants. The lesions, affecting the eyelid or the brow, lead to some other signs or symptoms, including:

• Thickening of the eyelid
• Spongy consistency of the lesions on palpation
• Change in size or color of lesions because of crying
• Lightening of the color of a cutaneous lesion when pressure is applied on the involved skin
• Reduced visual acuity due to a hemangioma on the upper eyelid.

Capillary Hemangioma: Treatment

The treatment of Capillary Hemangioma depends on the size and location of the lesions. However, some of the known treatments for Capillary Hemangioma include the use of beta-blockers and steroid medications, as well as oral/injected corticosteroids, laser treatment, and surgical excision.

Capillary Hemangioma can also be managed naturally with the help of herbal (Ayurvedic) products. Some beneficial herbal products are available from herbal manufacturing company Planet Ayurveda for the effective management of Capillary Hemangioma. Some of the products are as follows.

Product Description

1. Kachnaar Guggul

The preparation of these tablets involves the use of a number of potent herbs, combined with Kachnaar (Bauhinia variegata) and Guggul (Commiphora Mukul). The herbal combination, besides Kachnaar and Guggul, includes Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Maricha (Piper nigrum), and Varuna (Crateva nurvala). The use of these tablets is beneficial for patients suffering from Capillary Hemangioma because the herbal components of the tablets can manage cancers/tumors, cure skin disorders, treat liver cysts, manage fistula, and maintain the healthy functioning of the kidneys.

Dosage: 2 tablets, twice a day.

2. Graviola capsules

A standardized extract of ‘Graviola’ herb (Annona muricata) is used for preparing these capsules. The herb has immense medicinal significance because of its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-tumor, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anticonvulsant, astringent, and analgesic properties. The use of these capsules can benefit Capillary Hemangioma patients because the capsules have the ability to kill cancer cells, work as supportive therapy for cancer, control tumor growth, strengthen the immune system, manage bacterial infections, and pacify vitiated Pitta dosha.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules, once or twice a day.

3. Boswellia Curcumin

Two potent anti-inflammatory herbal ingredients – Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa) are combined for the preparation of these capsules. Both the ingredients have great medicinal value Shallaki is known for its anti-inflammatory actions, while Curcumin is an excellent antioxidant. The use of these capsules is beneficial for patients affected by Capillary Hemangioma because of the combined actions of Shallaki and Curcumin in managing tumors/cancers, supporting the immune system, improving blood circulation, and maintaining cardiovascular health.

Dosage: 2 capsules, twice a day.

4. Nirgundi Oil

The versatile and multipurpose ‘Nirgundi’ herb is used for preparing this oil. The herb is widely known in Ayurveda because of its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties. The application of Nirgundi oil can be beneficial in managing Capillary Hemangioma because of the proven actions of Nirgundi in managing several skin disorders, reducing inflammation, improving the circulation of blood, and supporting the skin’s natural immune function.

Conclusion

The herbal products offered by Planet Ayurveda for managing Capillary Hemangioma are 100% pure and natural formulations, which do not contain any chemicals, preservatives, additives, colors, fillers, or binders. The products are completely safe to use. Nonetheless, it is recommended that the products should be given to infants suffering Capillary Hemangioma under the expert guidance of an experienced Ayurveda practitioner.