Hemangioma and Allergies

Alex was born with a tiny red dot on his head. We thought nothing of it until it started getting a little bit bigger. When he was 2 weeks old, the doctor noticed it and diagnosed him with a capillary hemangioma. This is a benign tumor of blood vessels that is also known as a "strawberry birthmark." This type of tumor will grow until he's about 1 year old, then it will stop growing and start shrinking until it disappears completely - usually by about age 6. We are careful not to bump it and we are hoping his white blond hair will cover it up (if his hair grows as fast as Evan's, that will not be a problem).

The first picture was taken around 2 weeks old.  The second picture was taken around 7 weeks old.

In the meantime, Evan has been plagued with allergies and sinus problems.
When he gets a cold, it always lasts at least two weeks. Since he has had reactions to antibiotics, cherries, and other foods, we decided to get him tested. All the tests came back as negative allergies, but positive for "non-allergic reactions." Um ok. So if he has a reaction, it may or may not be an allergy. The doctor just said to stay away from those foods/medicines. His face turned splotchy red after the penicillin test, but he's "not allergic." In any case, he will not be taking penicillin any time soon. I have to say he was a real trooper during the testing. The nurse said she had older children that had more panic attacks over one flu shot than Evan did the entire time.

 The top left redness was from the histamine base line.  It's supposed to be red.  He then had 2 shots in one arm and 3 in the other for the penicillin test. He was such a trooper!