A co-blogger post caught my attention when I was blog hopping. She posted about Strawberry hemangioma that her daughter is having. It is hard to look at the picture, it look so painful to me. But as many MD's say there is nothing to worry about Strawberry hemangioma because it will eventually disappeared.Anyway. I just want to share this article related to this:

Skin Conditions: Red Birthmarks

Birthmarks are colored skin spots that either are present at birth or develop shortly after birth. Birthmarks can be many different colors, including brown, tan, black, pale blue, pink, white, red, or purple. Some birthmarks are only coloration's of the surface of the skin; others are raised above the surface of the skin or extend into the tissues under the skin.
What Causes Birthmarks?

The cause of most birthmarks is unknown. Most birthmarks are not inherited. Many folk tales and myths exist about the causes of birthmarks, but none of these stories have been proven to explain the true causes of birthmarks.
Do Birthmarks Need to Be Treated?

Most birthmarks need no treatment. They often fade as a child grows older. However, some birthmarks may need treatment because of their location. For example, a raised birthmark near a child's eye may interfere with his or her ability to see. In rare cases, birthmarks are associated with other conditions, such as growths on the liver, lungs, stomach, or intestines.
Types of Birthmarks

There are two main categories of birthmarks -- red birthmarks and pigmented birthmarks. Red birthmarks are colored, vascular (having to do with blood vessels) skin markings that develop before or shortly after birth. Pigmented birthmarks are skin markings that are present at birth. The marks may range from brown or black to bluish or blue-gray in color.

Red Birthmarks

The hemangioma is a common type of vascular birthmark. It is usually painless and harmless and its cause is not known. Color from the birthmark comes from the extensive development of blood vessels at the site.

Types of hemangiomas include:

* Strawberry hemangiomas (also called strawberry mark, nevus vascularis, capillary hemangioma, hemangioma simplex) may appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the face, scalp, back, or chest. They consist of small, closely packed blood vessels. They may be absent at birth, and develop at several weeks. They usually grow rapidly, remain a fixed size, and then subside. In most cases, strawberry hemangiomas disappear by the time a child is 9 years old. Some slight discoloration or puckering of the skin may remain at the site of the hemangioma.
* Cavernous hemangiomas (also called angioma cavernosum or cavernoma) are similar to strawberry hemangiomas but are more deeply situated. They may appear as a red-blue spongy mass of tissue filled with blood. Some of these lesions may disappear on their own -- usually as a child approaches school age.
* Port-wine stains are flat purple-to-red birthmarks made of dilated blood capillaries. These birthmarks occur most often on the face and may vary in size. Port-wine stains often are permanent (unless treated).
* Salmon patches (also called stork bites) appear on 30%-50% of newborn babies. These marks are small blood vessels (capillaries) that are visible through the skin. They are most common on the forehead, eyelids, upper lip, between the eyebrows, and the back of the neck. Often, these marks fade as the infant grows.


What Are the Symptoms of Red Birthmarks?

Symptoms of red birthmarks include:

* Skin markings that develop before or shortly after birth
* Red skin rashes or lesions
* Skin markings that resemble blood vessels
* Possible bleeding

How Are Red Birthmarks Diagnosed?

In most cases, a health professional can diagnose a red birthmark based on the appearance of the skin. Deeper birthmarks can be confirmed with tests such as MRI, ultrasound, CT scans or biopsies.
What Is the Treatment for Red Birthmarks?

Many capillary birthmarks such as salmon patches and strawberry hemangiomas are temporary and require no treatment. For permanent lesions, concealing cosmetics such as Covermark may be helpful. Orally administered cortisone can reduce the size of a hemangioma that is growing rapidly and obstructing vision or vital structures.

Port wine stains on the face can be treated at a young age with a yellow pulsed dye laser for best results.

Other treatments for red birthmarks may include:


* Cryotherapy (freezing)
* Laser surgery
* Surgical removal


In some cases, birthmarks are not treated until a child reaches school age. However, birthmarks are treated earlier if they compromise vital functions like vision or breathing or are of aesthetic concern.
Can Red Birthmarks Be Prevented?

Currently, there is no known way to prevent red birthmarks.

Beauty, now that is a word that is strictly in the eyes of the beholder. And that old saying pretty is, is pretty does stands true too. However, we all want to look our best, that is most people do. As far as women goes that naturally inner glow can come to the surface, by feeling good about yourself. We'll soon touch on how to go about feeling good about yourself. To me the natural approach to beauty works best.

If you wake up on the wrong side of the bed and look in the mirror, but just don't like what you see...here's a few helpful tips that will brighten your day.
A nice pampering shower, using your favorite body soap or body wash works great, and isn't too expensive, especially if you buy items on sale...or depending on where you shop.
Pamper your hair by using a special shampoo and conditioner.
Give your feet a good scrubbing and later use foot cream.
Always keep your finger and toe nails in shape, add color or clear polish...it is up to you.
Facial scrubs work great on the hands too.
Apply some light makeup nothing heavy. Eyeliner, brozer, and lipgloss will do.
Wear your hair in a style that looks soft not stiff.
Put on some bright, lively clothes, especially if it is summer or spring. Play with fashion and be yourself.
You'll find that adding a smile to your day will make you beautiful.


* Leave bad thoughts at home and put forth a clean polished and happy you. It will make you look more radiant and confident.
* Smile and make others smile too.
* Don't let moody people bring you down.
* See How to Take the Time to Pamper Yourself

Are you dreading the day your maternity leave ends? Don't despair. Working mothers face many challenges, but you can prepare for the demands with careful planning.
Before you return to work

While you're still on maternity leave, set yourself up for a successful return to work.

* Let go of the guilt. Returning to work often poses emotional conflicts for new mothers. But working outside the home doesn't make you a bad mother. And it's OK to look forward to the challenges and interactions of your job. Remind yourself that you're doing what's best for you and your family, and then move on.
* Find dependable child care. Consider local child care providers and facilities or make other arrangements for child care, perhaps even before the baby is born. Look for a safe, stimulating environment and qualified caregivers. Trust your instincts when interviewing potential caregivers.
*

Talk to your boss. Clarify your job duties and schedule so you'll know what's expected of you after your maternity leave. You might ask about flexible hours, telecommuting or working part time.

If you're planning to continue breast-feeding after returning to work, ask your employer to help you find a private room for pumping. Consider buying or renting an electric breast pump that allows you to pump both breasts at once. If timing is a concern, offer alternatives — pumping during your breaks or working from home to make up for the lost time, for example.
* Set a return-to-work date. If you can, go back to work late in the week. That'll make your first week back to work a short one.

Once you're back at work

When you go back to work, expect ups and downs as you become more adept at managing multiple demands. These tips can help:

* Get organized. Make a daily to-do list. You might divide the list into tasks for work and tasks for home, or tasks for you and tasks for your partner. Identify what you need to do, what can wait — and what you can skip entirely.
* Stay connected. Plan a daily phone call to your baby's caregiver to find out how your baby's doing. Place a favorite photo of your baby on your desk or in your work area. Set aside time after work to reconnect with your baby.
* Make backup plans. Know what you'll do if your baby is sick or your baby's caregiver is unavailable on a workday — whether it's taking a sick day yourself or calling a friend or loved one to care for your baby.
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Honor your commitment to breast-feeding. Bring your breast pump, containers for expressed milk, an insulated bag and ice packs to work. Keep a stash of breast pads and extra blouses handy, in case your breasts leak.

If you can't express milk at work, breast-feed your baby or pump just before you go to work and as soon as you return home. You could also pump between feedings on weekends for extra breast milk to be used while you're working.
* Seek support. Don't try to do everything yourself. Accept help from your partner, loved ones and friends. Speak up if you're feeling guilty, sad or overwhelmed. If you're having trouble pumping milk at work or nursing your baby at home, contact a lactation consultant from a local hospital or clinic.
* Nurture your own well-being. Relax in the tub after you put the baby to bed, or unwind with a favorite book or soft music. Cut down on any unnecessary commitments. Pick a reasonable bedtime, and stick with it. On weekends, sleep when your baby sleeps.

Above all, maintain a positive attitude. Tell your baby how excited you are to see him or her at the end of the day. Your baby may not understand your words, but he or she will pick up on your emotions.

This is the picture of one of my 4 niece in Philippine. She is the daughter of my younger sister. It's been a while since I went back home for a visit. It has been 6 years. Whew long time huh! anyway. I never seen this niece of mine but I have talk to her when I called my parents one time. And believe me she is a talker. I have three nephews that I have never meet as well. My family in Philippine is getting bigger than I thought. is I dont even know what old she is right now. Sad huh! The funny thing is I dont even know what old she is right now.. Anyway. I just wanted to share this picture her.