Birthmarks
What Is A Birthmark?
Birthmarks are congenital skin conditions that typically appear at birth or shortly thereafter. They are benign conditions that do not harm the overall health of an individual. When they are located on the face or in other visible areas, however, they can cause some social or psychological distress.
What Are Different Types of Birthmarks?
- Congenital nevi: Nevi are moles or pigmented lesions that can sometimes grow dark coarse hair.
- Hemangiomas: These are red, soft raised bumps. They usually decrease in size on their own, but it can take years for this to happen.
- Port-Wine Stains: These birthmarks are large red or pink patches sometimes called “stork bites.”
Signs and Symptoms of Birthmarks
Birthmarks come in many different forms. Typical signs of birthmarks include:
- A raised reddish spot that looks like a small strawberry.
- A small lump that sits under the skin.
- A splotch of brownish skin.
- What looks like a bruised patch of skin.
- A wine-colored splotch across the skin.
What Causes Birthmarks?
Birthmarks are caused by a variety of things depending on the type of birthmark they are. They are not caused by any actions or choices made by a mother when a child is in utero. In some cases, birthmarks such as port-wine stains or strawberry hemangiomas are caused by a malformation of the blood vessels. Others, such as a nevus sebaceous, occur when a section of the skin overgrows.
