Birthmarks are usually caused by an excessive growth of a structure in the skin. An overgrowth in blood vessels can cause vascular birthmarks, haemangiomas, or congenital moles.
Birthmarks are associated with a variety of myths and superstitions. During the Salem Witch Trials, moles were considered proof of guilt. According to the “maternal imprint” myth, if a pregnant woman feels a strong emotion and touches an area of her body during her pregnancy, her child may have a birthmark in that location.
Birthmarks are not known to have a cause. Most birthmarks don’t cause major problems for babies and do not need any treatment. They don’t predict future success or personality traits. The actions or omissions of the mother during pregnancy are not responsible for them.
Lasers and other medical advances have made it possible to treat birthmarks that do not fade on their own and can be unsightly or problematic.
Cafe au lait macules
Cafe au lait spot. Wikimedia Commons
Birthmarks of a pale brown color or a milky coffee color are called macules de café au lait. They are harmless and can appear anywhere on the body. Cafe au lait macules can be present from birth, but they may also arise later in childhood.
The condition is not usually treated, but if the child has multiple large lesions, they should see a dermatologist for a checkup to determine if neurofibromatosis (a genetic disorder that increases the risk of a tumor developing) exists. Lasers can be used to lighten macules of Cafe au lait and improve their appearance.
Congenital Melanocytic Naevus
Congenital melanocytic moles or congenital naevus are harmless pigment cell growths that can be present from birth or develop within the first few weeks. Congenital naevi may appear anywhere on the body. They can range in size from a few millimeters up to several centimeters, and they can be flat or elevated.
Congenital naevus. Author provided
The risk of melanomas developing from congenital naevi is low. Most of the time, they do not need to be treated. They can be removed surgically if there is an unexpected change or growth. When the child is old and able to cooperate, excisions can be performed for cosmetic purposes.
Skin cancer is a possible risk with giant congenital melanocytic naevi. It is important to monitor these lesions over a long period in order to detect any skin cancer development as early as possible.
Mongolian spot
Mongolian spot in a six-month-old. Wikimedia Commons
Mongolian spots, which are blue-brown stains, may appear as a bruise. They are most commonly found at birth on the buttocks or side of the body. These spots are more common among Asian children.
Often, they fade on their own over time. Lasers can be used for Mongolian spots to improve their appearance. They do not usually require treatment.
Haemangioma, or strawberry naevus
Haemangioma or strawberry naevus are vascular marks that can occur anywhere on the body. Some weeks after birth, one or more strawberry naevi will appear. Over three to six month, it grows quickly to form a brightly red raised soft spot that can range in size from a half centimetre up to several centimetres. Up to 10% infants can develop these Haemangiomas during the first year.
Strawberry birthmark Wikimedia Commons
The earlier they are treated, the better. You can use a laser, propranalol, or a short course cortisone prescribed by your doctor. Most haemangiomas will eventually shrink and disappear if left untreated. Before they disappear, they can grow quickly, cause ulcers, or interfere with your eyes, nose or mouth. Some may bleed or ulcerate. Although this can be frightening, it is not life-threatening. It can usually managed by using dressings or applying pressure. Small bleeding haemangiomas may be removed.
Port wine stain
Port wine stain is an abnormal blood vessel made up of thin-walled blood vessels that have been enlarged. The birthmark is a flat, red, persistent mark that appears on the skin. Port Wine Stains can be found in as many as 2% of newborns. The affected area appears flat and pale.
Port wine stain. Natalie McComas funded by VSCO Artist Initiative Grant vsco.co/initiative
Port wine stains do not fade with time, like other birthmarks. They become darker, rougher, and more raised as the child grows. Port wine stains can occur anywhere, but they are most common on the neck and head. Port Wine Stains can be multiple or single, and range in size from millimetres up to centimetres.
Children can be affected by port wine stains in a big way. Laser treatment is effective for port wine stains, especially when treated early. It may take multiple treatments. Port wine stains in adults can be treated but require more sessions of treatment than those in children.
Salmon patch or stork bit
The most common birthmark is the salmon patch, or stork’s bite. The mark is usually a flat pale pink or red spot on the forehead, upper lid, upper lip, or back of neck. Up to 50% of all children have them.
Up to 50% of all children have salmon patches or storks bites. Abigail Batchelder/Flickr, CC BY
The majority of salmon patches disappear in two to five years. The ones on the neck and back tend to be persistent, but they are hidden when the hairs grow. Usually, no treatment is required. If you cry or move around, the salmon patches may be more noticeable. If the salmon patches are persistent, vascular lasers may be used to lighten them.
