Recent reports regarding the utility of topical beta-blocker therapy, specifically timolol maleate, in treating infantile hemangiomas represent a new and potentially exciting treatment option. Since the first case report in February 2010 by Guo et al(l) several more case reports (2-4) have appeared in the medical literature. The recent multicenter study by Pope et al(5) is the largest study to date, providing 73 additional cases with results that are encouraging. Being informed about timolol is important as physicians caring for infants with infantile hemangiomas consider its use for this newfound indication. This commentary discusses what is and is not known about the potential side effects of topical timolol to help physicians decide which patients are appropriate candidates for this form of therapy and which are not.
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