Birthmarks

Birthmarks

What are birthmarks?

Birthmarks can be described as markings or abnormal areas of the skin that are shown at the time of birth or within a few weeks after birth. They vary in color, size, and texture, and can sometimes be raised and appear more growth-like. 

While nearly all birthmarks are harmless and painless, there is a small chance that they are signs of underlying health conditions. It’s important to have a medical doctor examine the birthmark early to ensure they don’t pose any risks.

Birthmarks can occur anywhere on the face, scalp, and body and typically vary in appearance:

• They can be flat or raised
• They can be on top of the skin or under the skin
• They can have regular or irregular borders and greatly vary in size
• They vary in color and shades– most commonly they tan, brown, red, pink, or purple
• Some will shrink or go away over time while others can continue growing

What are the different types of birthmarks?

There are two main types of birthmarks that each have different causes:

• Vascular birthmarks occur when blood vessels do not form correctly under the skin. Depending on the person, some blood vessels may have formed too quickly in excess and others may have formed at a larger size
• Pigmented birthmarks occur when there is a overgrowth of the cells that create skin pigment (color)

Vascular birthmarks are the most common of the two main types and include:

• Macular stains can be characterized as angel kisses, stork bites, or salmon patches and are the most common type of vascular birthmarks. They are usually found on the eyelids, forehead, nose, upper lip, or on the back of the head or neck, and most are expected to fade over time
• Hemangiomas are superficial and known as strawberry marks when the mark has only formed on the surface of the skin. They are considered deep when they form below the skin’s surface, and compound when they are affecting both layers of skin. These will typically be raised and involve blood vessels in the deeper layers of the skin. They all typically appear within the first few weeks of birth and continue growing in the first year of life, but typically disappear by the time the child is older. If large enough, treatment or surgery is an option for removal
• Port wine stains look exactly how their name sounds– these marks are discolorations that look like wine spills on the skin. They only grow as the child grows and are typically found on the face, neck, arms, or legs. They do tend to thicken over time, so depending on the location, they may need to be monitored and treated as an adult especially if the mark is on the face or around the eyes

The three most common pigmented birthmarks are:

• Mongolian spots that are flat and blue-ish patches that are often found on the lower back or buttocks of darker-skin complexion; these typically will fade and not need treatment
• Café-au-lait spots that are very common spots with the same color as coffee with milk; these birthmarks can be found anywhere on the body and are sometimes known to multiply as the child gets older. It’s important to note that one stand-alone Café-au-lait spot is not a risk, but if multiplied by more than six spots, you will need to consult with a dermatologist
• Congenital moles are your typical brown moles that are already present at birth and will not go away on their own. These are very low risk generally, but large congenital moles could develop into skin cancer later on life, and some smaller congenital moles may have a slightly higher risk– it’s important to always get yearly skin exams to monitor

What causes birthmarks?

Medical research is unable to link birthmarks to anything being done or not being done during pregnancy. There are not any known ways to prevent them from forming and no known causes of birthmarks. Very rarely can a birthmark be truly linked to genetics, and it’s usually when a rare genetic condition is the cause of the birthmark.

Should we monitor birthmarks?

Most types of birthmarks are harmless and painless. It’s important to point out any birthmarks to your child’s pediatrician to ensure it isn’t associated with any rare conditions that would require treatment. The doctor can also assist you in monitoring any changes in the birthmark that could be important over time.

Changes that should be monitored about birthmarks are:

• Growth in size (especially if you notice rapid growth)
• Darkening of color
• Elevation and texture

Moles will likely not turn into skin cancer as a child, but it’s important to teach your children to monitor their moles and skin in general as they get older as early detection is key. 

Will treatment be necessary? 

Since the majority of birthmarks are painless and harmless, most removal treatments would be solely for cosmetic reasons. Some people may decide that they dislike the appearance of their birthmark and may consult with a dermatologist about removal options.

Two types of birthmarks that may need treatment for medical reasons are moles or hemangiomas (that are in certain locations). Your dermatologist may determine that they are a risk for skin cancer and decide to recommend removing them.

There are several potential treatment options for birthmarks that include:

• Laser therapy
• Outpatient surgery
• Corticosteroids or beta-blockers

Treatment options are largely going to be determined by the type and size of your birthmark. There are a lot of factors that go into potentially removing one. It’s important to find a trusted board-certified dermatologist to discuss options with before moving forward with any procedure.

Whether you have a newborn with a birthmark or you are an adult with a birthmark you’d like to get checked out, our team at DermExperts can perform an examination and make any informed and trusted recommendations based on your unique condition.