Birth mark

Birth mark is a skin abnormality that is present at birth or appears shortly after birth. Birth marks can vary in size, shape, color, and type. They are generally harmless and do not require treatment unless they pose a risk to health or cause significant cosmetic concern.

Types of Birth Marks

There are two main types of birth marks: vascular birthmarks and pigmented birthmarks.

Vascular Birthmarks

Vascular birthmarks are caused by abnormal blood vessels in or under the skin. They include:

• Hemangiomas: These are bright red birthmarks that show up at birth or in the first or second week of life. They look like a rubbery bump and are made up of extra blood vessels in the skin.

• Port-wine stains: These are flat, pink, red, or purple marks that appear at birth. They can occur anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the face, neck, arms, or legs.

Pigmented Birthmarks

Pigmented birthmarks are caused by an overgrowth of the cells that create pigment in the skin. They include:

• Mongolian spots: These are smooth, blue or blue-gray marks that appear at birth or in the first few weeks of life.

• Café-au-lait spots: These are light brown spots that can appear at birth or develop in the first few years of life.

Causes of Birth Marks

The exact cause of birth marks is unknown, but they are thought to occur as a result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some birth marks, such as Mongolian spots and Café-au-lait spots, are more common in certain ethnic groups.

Treatment of Birth Marks

Most birth marks are harmless and do not require treatment. However, some birth marks may need to be treated for cosmetic reasons or because they pose a risk to health. Treatment options include laser therapy, surgery, and medication.

See Also

• Skin pigmentation
• Dermatology
• Pediatrics