What they are
Birthmarks are marks on the skin that are there when a baby is born. There are two types:
| Type | Made of | Look | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vascular | blood vessels that didn't form correctly | usually red | hemangiomas, port-wine stains |
| Pigmented | a cluster of pigment cells, which give skin its color | tan to brown, gray to black, even blue | moles can be birthmarks |
Causes
The cause of many is unknown, but some run in families.
Treatment
Your baby's doctor will look at the mark to decide whether it needs treatment or just watching.
- Pigmented birthmarks usually aren't treated — except moles.
- Vascular birthmarks can be treated with laser surgery, among other options.
Outlook
- Most birthmarks aren't serious, and some fade on their own.
- Some stay the same or get worse with age.
- They're usually only a cosmetic concern, but some types raise the risk of skin cancer.
Call your health care provider if a birthmark bleeds, hurts, itches or becomes infected.
Sources
Based on the MedlinePlus health topic "Birthmarks," National Library of Medicine; a work of the United States government in the public domain.
LanguagesEnglish
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
1
0
0
0
Comments
