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Dermatology

Skin Growths and Pigmentation Disorders

Skin Growths and Pigmentation Disorders | Birthmarks | Skin Cancer | Treatment for Skin Cancer | Benign Skin Growths | Skin Pigment Disorders

Birthmarks

What are birthmarks?

Mother with child

Birthmarks are areas of discolored and/or raised skin that are present at birth or within a few weeks of birth. Birthmarks are made up of malformed pigment cells or blood vessels. About 10 in every 100 babies have vascular birthmarks (birthmarks made up of blood vessels).

Although the cause of birthmarks is not known, most of them are benign and do not require treatment. Babies with birthmarks should be examined and diagnosed by a physician.

What are the most common types of vascular birthmarks?

The following are the most common types of vascular birthmarks:

macular stains ("angel's kisses" or "stork bites") - the most common type of vascular birthmark, characterized by mild red marks that may appear anywhere on the body.

  • "angel's kisses" - marks located on the forehead and eyelids, which usually disappear after age 2.

  • "stork bites" - marks on the back of the neck, which may last into adulthood.

hemangioma - another common type of vascular birthmark that involves different types of blood vessel growths. Hemangiomas become visible within the first few weeks of life and continue to grow rapidly for about one year. Then, they turn white and shrink. There are two common types of hemangiomas:

  • strawberry hemangiomas - a slightly raised and strawberry-red mark that develops shortly after birth and may occur anywhere on the body.

  • cavernous hemangiomas - a bluish-colored mark that develops shortly after birth and can occur anywhere on the body.

port-wine stains - a port-wine stain, also called a nevus flammeus, is a flat, pink, red, or purple mark that appears at birth, often on the face, arms, and legs, and continues to grow as the child grows. Port-wine stains do not go away and often require treatment if located on the eyelid or forehead.


This page was last updated on: January 30, 2008.

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