Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsVascular BirthmarksPigmented BirthmarksCausesWhen to Be Worried About BirthmarksTreatmentsProcedure to Remove or Shrink Birthmarks
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Vascular Birthmarks
Pigmented Birthmarks
Causes
When to Be Worried About Birthmarks
Treatments
Procedure to Remove or Shrink Birthmarks
Most birthmarks are harmless, but in some instances, they may be a sign of a more serious condition, particularly if they occur in large numbers or clusters.
This article explains causes of birthmarks, types, and how to care for a birthmark when needed.
Anastasiia Yanishevska / EyeEm / Getty Images
Vascular birthmarksare made up of blood vessels close to the skin’s surface, giving them a red appearance. They can be raised or flat. They are typically red and may grow large. There are several types of vascular birthmarks.
Hemangiomas
Hemangiomasoccur in up to 5% of newborns and are more common in girls and in babies who arepremature. They can manifest in one of two ways.
Strawberry hemangiomas:
Deep hemangiomas:
Some hemangiomas require medical care as they can damage other tissues if they develop on the lip or eyelid, on organs, or on other structures within the body.
Children with groups of hemangiomas that appear in a “beard” pattern around the mouth, chin, or one side of the face—or who have larger hemangiomas—are more likely to have internal hemangiomas.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoPetardj / Getty Images
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Petardj / Getty Images
Salmon Patches
Salmon patches are also called:
Salmon patches can occur anywhere on the body, including the back of the neck, the forehead, the eyelids, or the lips. They are usually harmless. They typically fade within the first year, but those on the nape of the neck may last longer.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Port Wine Stains
Usually present at birth, port wine stains start out as flat pink or red areas, commonly on the face, and can thicken and darken to deeper red or purple. They can also grow in size.
Though rare, port wine stains may indicate the neurological disorder Sturge-Weber syndrome, particularly when the birthmark covers half of the face or more. This medical condition causes an increased risk ofglaucoma(because of increased pressure in the eye) and may cause seizures due to abnormal blood vessels in the lining around the brain.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoPort wine stain.DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
Venous Vascular Malformations
They grow slowly and can appear from birth through late childhood. They don’t fade on their own but can be managed if necessary.
Pigmented birthmarksare marks or areas that differ in color from the rest of the skin. There are several different types.
Café-au-Lait Spots
These spots vary greatly, from the freckle size to covering a large skin area.
Café-au-lait spots are common, affecting up to 27% of children depending on age and ethnicity.They are usually harmless, but six or more spots may indicate a larger health problem, such asneurofibromatosis.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoCafe au lait macule.DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
Dermal Melanocytoses
Dermal melanocytosesare flat, irregularly shaped blue-gray patches usually found on the back and buttocks. They often are apparent at birth.
Congenital Nevi
Congenital neviaremolesthat are present at birth. They can vary in appearance and may:
Unlike moles that develop later in life, congenital nevi are less commonly associated withskin cancerbut should be checked regularly. See your child’s healthcare provider if you notice changes. The risk of cancer development is greater if the mole is larger than 8 centimeters.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoEvgeniya Markina / Getty Images
Evgeniya Markina / Getty Images
Sebaceous Nevi
They are present at birth and may change over time, such as becoming thicker or changing color, but they do not go away.
Hypopigmented Macule
Hypopigmented maculesare skin areaslighterin color than the surrounding skin. They can be raised or flat and vary in shape (commonly round, oval, or leaf-shaped). They can develop anywhere but are usually found on the chest, abdomen, back, or buttocks. Most go away on their own.
How Common Are Birthmarks?Studies have shown anywhere from 10% to more than 40% of babies have birthmarks. Some are more common, such as café-au-lait spots, while others are less common, such as port wine stains.
How Common Are Birthmarks?
Studies have shown anywhere from 10% to more than 40% of babies have birthmarks. Some are more common, such as café-au-lait spots, while others are less common, such as port wine stains.
How to Spot and Take Care of Your Newborn’s Rash
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photoundefined undefined / Getty Images
undefined undefined / Getty Images
What Causes Birthmarks?
Some factors are more common in certain birthmarks.
Hemangiomas, for example, are more common in babies who are:
Dermal melanocytosis is more common in babies of Asian heritage and in those with darker skin.
Birthmarks are usually harmless but may indicate an underlying problem or cause complications in rare cases:
A healthcare provider may order tests, such as:
You should also monitor the birthmark for changes such as:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Most birthmarks are harmless but talk to your healthcare provider about removal in the following situations:
Birthmarks should be removed if they are causing problems or if they have concerning features. You may also want to have your birthmark removed for cosmetic reasons.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapyeliminates blood vessels or pigment just below the skin’s surface and is mainly used for port wine stains and birthmarks close to the skin surface.
Laser therapy typically needs to be repeated. It’s most effective when started in infancy; for port wine stains, laser therapy can be started within the first few days after birth.
Surgery
Surgery removes the birthmark. Surgical procedures are typically used for moles or other birthmarks that could become cancerous, for deep hemangiomas, or for a birthmark that is large, raised, and affecting appearance.
Cryotherapy
This type of therapy involves freezing the birthmark to eliminate abnormal tissue.
Medications
Some medications are injected into or applied to the area, and others are taken orally. Medications may include:
Summary
A birthmark is a mark on or under the skin that is present at birth or appears in early childhood. Birthmarks vary in appearance.
Procedures and therapies that may be used on birthmarks include laser therapy, surgery, cryotherapy, and/or medications.
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19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone.Types of birthmarks in children.Johns Hopkins.Birthmarks in infants.Better Health.Birthmarks.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Birthmarks: signs and symptoms.Cheng CE, Friedlander SF.Infantile hemangiomas, complications and treatments.Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2016;35(3):108-16. doi:10.12788/j.sder.2016.050Jung HL.Update on infantile hemangioma.Clin Exp Pediatr. 2021;64(11):559-572. doi:10.3345/cep.2020.02061Nationwide Children’s.Birthmarks: when should parents be concerned?Techasatian L, Sanaphay V, Paopongsawan P, Schachner LA.Neonatal birthmarks: a prospective survey in 1000 neonates.Global Pediatric Health. 2019;6:2333794X1983566. doi:10.1177/2333794X19835668Fidai C, Geronemus RG.Successful treatment of facial port-wine birthmark in a premature infant.JAAD Case Reports. 2021;13:33-35. doi:10.1016/j.jdcr.2021.04.026Yan H, Hu M, Cui Y, Li L, Liang T.Clinical characteristics of infants with port-wine stain and glaucoma secondary to Sturge-Weber syndrome.BMC Ophthalmol. 2022;22(1):260. doi:10.1186/s12886-022-02476-xAnderson S.Café au lait macules and associated genetic syndromes.J Pediatr Health Care. 2020;34(1):71-81. doi:10.1016/j.pedhc.2019.05.001Neale H, Plumptre I, Belazarian L, Wiss K, Hawryluk EB.Central nervous system magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities and neurologic outcomes in pediatric patients with congenital nevi: A 10-year multi-institutional retrospective study.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022;87(5):1060-1068. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2022.05.062Pang S, Cevik J, Sreedharan S, Wilks DJ.Rate of benign and malignant secondary tumors associated with nevus sebaceous: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Ann Plast Surg. 2024;92(6):711-719. doi:10.1097/SAP.0000000000003879Reginatto FP, DeVilla D, Muller FM, et al.Prevalence and characterization of neonatal skin disorders in the first 72 h of life.J Pediatria. 2017;93(3):238-245. doi:10.1016/j.jped.2016.06.010American Academy of Dermatology Association.Birthmarks: who gets and causes.Mount Sinai.Birthmarks - red.Penn Medicine.What is birthmark?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Birthmarks: diagnosis and treatment.Raphael MF, Breur JM, Vlasveld FA, et al.Treatment of infantile hemangiomas: therapeutic options in regard to side effects and adverse events - a review of the literature.Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2016;15(2):199-214. doi:10.1517/14740338.2016.1130125
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone.Types of birthmarks in children.Johns Hopkins.Birthmarks in infants.Better Health.Birthmarks.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Birthmarks: signs and symptoms.Cheng CE, Friedlander SF.Infantile hemangiomas, complications and treatments.Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2016;35(3):108-16. doi:10.12788/j.sder.2016.050Jung HL.Update on infantile hemangioma.Clin Exp Pediatr. 2021;64(11):559-572. doi:10.3345/cep.2020.02061Nationwide Children’s.Birthmarks: when should parents be concerned?Techasatian L, Sanaphay V, Paopongsawan P, Schachner LA.Neonatal birthmarks: a prospective survey in 1000 neonates.Global Pediatric Health. 2019;6:2333794X1983566. doi:10.1177/2333794X19835668Fidai C, Geronemus RG.Successful treatment of facial port-wine birthmark in a premature infant.JAAD Case Reports. 2021;13:33-35. doi:10.1016/j.jdcr.2021.04.026Yan H, Hu M, Cui Y, Li L, Liang T.Clinical characteristics of infants with port-wine stain and glaucoma secondary to Sturge-Weber syndrome.BMC Ophthalmol. 2022;22(1):260. doi:10.1186/s12886-022-02476-xAnderson S.Café au lait macules and associated genetic syndromes.J Pediatr Health Care. 2020;34(1):71-81. doi:10.1016/j.pedhc.2019.05.001Neale H, Plumptre I, Belazarian L, Wiss K, Hawryluk EB.Central nervous system magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities and neurologic outcomes in pediatric patients with congenital nevi: A 10-year multi-institutional retrospective study.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022;87(5):1060-1068. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2022.05.062Pang S, Cevik J, Sreedharan S, Wilks DJ.Rate of benign and malignant secondary tumors associated with nevus sebaceous: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Ann Plast Surg. 2024;92(6):711-719. doi:10.1097/SAP.0000000000003879Reginatto FP, DeVilla D, Muller FM, et al.Prevalence and characterization of neonatal skin disorders in the first 72 h of life.J Pediatria. 2017;93(3):238-245. doi:10.1016/j.jped.2016.06.010American Academy of Dermatology Association.Birthmarks: who gets and causes.Mount Sinai.Birthmarks - red.Penn Medicine.What is birthmark?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Birthmarks: diagnosis and treatment.Raphael MF, Breur JM, Vlasveld FA, et al.Treatment of infantile hemangiomas: therapeutic options in regard to side effects and adverse events - a review of the literature.Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2016;15(2):199-214. doi:10.1517/14740338.2016.1130125
Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone.Types of birthmarks in children.
Johns Hopkins.Birthmarks in infants.
Better Health.Birthmarks.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Birthmarks: signs and symptoms.
Cheng CE, Friedlander SF.Infantile hemangiomas, complications and treatments.Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2016;35(3):108-16. doi:10.12788/j.sder.2016.050
Jung HL.Update on infantile hemangioma.Clin Exp Pediatr. 2021;64(11):559-572. doi:10.3345/cep.2020.02061
Nationwide Children’s.Birthmarks: when should parents be concerned?
Techasatian L, Sanaphay V, Paopongsawan P, Schachner LA.Neonatal birthmarks: a prospective survey in 1000 neonates.Global Pediatric Health. 2019;6:2333794X1983566. doi:10.1177/2333794X19835668
Fidai C, Geronemus RG.Successful treatment of facial port-wine birthmark in a premature infant.JAAD Case Reports. 2021;13:33-35. doi:10.1016/j.jdcr.2021.04.026
Yan H, Hu M, Cui Y, Li L, Liang T.Clinical characteristics of infants with port-wine stain and glaucoma secondary to Sturge-Weber syndrome.BMC Ophthalmol. 2022;22(1):260. doi:10.1186/s12886-022-02476-x
Anderson S.Café au lait macules and associated genetic syndromes.J Pediatr Health Care. 2020;34(1):71-81. doi:10.1016/j.pedhc.2019.05.001
Neale H, Plumptre I, Belazarian L, Wiss K, Hawryluk EB.Central nervous system magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities and neurologic outcomes in pediatric patients with congenital nevi: A 10-year multi-institutional retrospective study.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022;87(5):1060-1068. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2022.05.062
Pang S, Cevik J, Sreedharan S, Wilks DJ.Rate of benign and malignant secondary tumors associated with nevus sebaceous: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Ann Plast Surg. 2024;92(6):711-719. doi:10.1097/SAP.0000000000003879
Reginatto FP, DeVilla D, Muller FM, et al.Prevalence and characterization of neonatal skin disorders in the first 72 h of life.J Pediatria. 2017;93(3):238-245. doi:10.1016/j.jped.2016.06.010
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Birthmarks: who gets and causes.
Mount Sinai.Birthmarks - red.
Penn Medicine.What is birthmark?
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Birthmarks: diagnosis and treatment.
Raphael MF, Breur JM, Vlasveld FA, et al.Treatment of infantile hemangiomas: therapeutic options in regard to side effects and adverse events - a review of the literature.Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2016;15(2):199-214. doi:10.1517/14740338.2016.1130125
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