Child Birthmarks

Growing YearsAbout 80% of babies are born with random markings on the body (birthmarks). Birthmarks are generally present at birth, although some, such as a hemangioma, develop weeks later. Most are permanent (some may fade with time), and harmless. Rarely, there may be an underlying disease. There are two types of birthmarks, vascular (blood vessels that are abnormally formed), and pigmented (a cluster of pigment cells that cause color changes in the skin).

 

  • Moles can be birthmarks, if you are born with them. A congenital nevus is a large, dark-colored mole that typically appears on the scalp or trunk, ranging in size from very small, to covering large areas. Most are small, round brown spots, but can be larger different colored. Some are flat and smooth, while others are raised above the skin. There can be an increased risk of developing skin cancer as an adult, especially with a large sized nevus.
  • A slate gray nevus, sometimes called a Mongolian blue spot, is a large, blue-gray birthmark that looks like a bruise. It is more common in darker skinned babies, especially of Asian heritage, and generally is seen on the lower back, but can occur on other areas. This birthmark tends to fade during childhood.
  • Café-au-lait spots are usually light (coffee and cream) tan, and can occur on any part of the body. These birthmarks can, on rare occasions, be associated with neurofibromatosis, a genetic disease that causes abnormal cell growth of nerve tissue. If there are more than six café-au-lait spots that are larger than a quarter, consult with your doctor.
  • A port-wine stain is a birthmark that starts pink, and turns darker red or purple as the child ages. These marks are usually on the face and neck, but can occur anywhere. They vary in size, and are caused by abnormal bleeding of blood vessels in the affected area. The skin may thicken and develop an irregular, pebbled surface in later years, if left untreated. About 10% of babies born with port wine stains, affects the eyelid and should be treated. Laser therapy is the usual treatment. The involved skin may thicken slightly and develop an irregular, pebbled surface as a child grows. While very rare, port-wine stains are associated with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome or Sturge-Weber syndrome, which may include brain abnormalities, and require medical attention.
  • Telangiectatic nevus (called salmon patch), is caused by collections of capillary blood vessels close to the skin. They appear as patches of slightly reddened skin. Salmon patches on the forehead, eyelids or between the eyes usually fade in a couple of years, and have been called an angel kiss. Those on the nape of the neck usually do not fade, but are covered by hair. These are referred to as a stork bite. Neither require any type of treatment.
  • A hemangioma birthmark (strawberry mark) is pink or red and grows during the first year of life, receding over time. By age 10, a child who had a hemangioma may be left with only a mark of the growth. Treatment is not usually needed, but fast-growing hemangiomas, or those near the eye, mouth, groin, or in the throat, sometimes require treatment. If there are three or more hemangiomas on the skin, evaluation is recommended to look for internal hemangiomas, which can rarely occur.