Periocular Infantile Hemangiomas: Clinical Spectrum, Complications, and the Emerging Role of Sclerotherapy using 3% Sodium Tetradecyl Sulphate

Periocular infantile hemangiomas are common benign vascular tumors of infancy that may lead to significant ocular morbidity, particularly amblyopia, during the critical period of visual development. Although most lesions undergo spontaneous involution, a subset requires early intervention to prevent functional and cosmetic complications. Recent advances in understanding the biology of infantile hemangiomas have expanded therapeutic options beyond observation and systemic therapy. Sclerotherapy using agents such as sodium tetradecyl sulphate has emerged as a minimally invasive and effective treatment modality for selected periocular lesions. This review discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnostic approach, complications, and current management strategies of periocular infantile hemangiomas, with special emphasis on the role of sclerotherapy.