Birthmarks

Specialty: Dermatology
Age group: Children

Criteria for referral to public hospital service

• Five or more haemangiomas
• Haemangioma pressing on the eyes, ears or mouth
• Infantile haemangioma
• Large haemangiomas (larger than 3 centimetres)
• Ulcerated haemangioma.

Information to be included in the referral

Information that must be provided

• Findings on physical examination
• Details of onset, duration, site, number of haemangioma and if the haemangioma(s) are ulcerated, bleeding or still growing
• Child’s age.

Provide if available

• Ultrasound report (including details of the diagnostic imaging practice)
• Colour photograph(s) – with patient’s consent where secure image transfer, identification and storage is possible. These images often assist with identifying clinical urgency and the most appropriate specialist clinic or service
• If the child identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• If the child is neurodiverse, gender diverse or has a disability
• If the child is from a culturally and linguistically diverse background
• If the child lives in out-of-home care (foster care, kinship care, permanent care or residential care)
• If the child is aged 14-18 years, do they consent that their health information is shared with their parent, guardian or carer.

Additional comments

The Minimum information for referrals to non-admitted specialist services lists the information that should be included in a referral request.

Prompt referral for infantile haemangioma is required for timely treatment.

Where appropriate and available the referral may be directed to an alternative specialist clinic or service.

Referral to a public hospital is not appropriate for

• Birthmarks that have stopped growing or have been adequately managed
• Other haemangiomas.