Topical Timolol Gel for Infantile Hemangiomas

Recent attention has focused on the use of oral propranolol for the treatment of infantile hemangiomas (IHs) (JW Dermatol Nov 6 2009 and Jun 20 2008). Might topical beta-blockers, used by ophthalmologists for glaucoma, work as well?

Investigators in Canada studied the effectiveness of twice-daily timolol maleate gel for superficial IHs in six infants (age range, 1–36 months). After 3 months of treatment, investigators employed two scales to assess pre- and posttherapy photographs. They identified a modest mean improvement in size, color, and extent of the hemangiomas with timolol. No local or systemic adverse events were reported.