Abstract
The strawberry haemangioma is a disturbing lesion, especially for the parents of the affected infant. Surgical intervention is unacceptable in most cases, owing to the possibility of severe scarring. Reports have appeared on successful application of laser surgery (HLLT) for smaller lesions, but the possibility of scarring still exists. Because of the success of Low reactive-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in promoting circulatory improvement, and photobioactivation of the fibroblast to encourage synthesis of normal collagen, the authors started applying 830 nm diode LLLT (60 mW, 5 s per point) at points around the periphery of the lesion, at a point density of 1 per 10 cm2 of the lesion. The results have been excellent in 20 cases treated exclusively with LLLT to date, with speedy regression, restoration of normal colour and configuration, and return to a normal skin texture. Although most strawberry haemangiomata regress spontaneously within 7 years, especially in the larger lesions there is a strong possibility of some remaining colour and configurational abnormality, coupled with abnormal skin texture. Using LLLT, the authors have found that full regression is usually obtained within approximately 4 years maximum, with little or no remaining colour and configurational abnormality. With LLLT, it is possible to restore the elasticity and firmness to the hamartomatous haemangioma tissue, by normalizing the collagen and elastin fibre matrices, and replacing the deeper cavernous component of the lesion. LLLT is totally noninvasive, and well-tolerated in the younger patient. Case reports are presented, and a discussion of the mechanism and timing of the therapy is given.
