Birthmarks: Types, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention | Easy Guide

Birthmarks are colored skin spots that are either present at birth or develop shortly after. They come in many colors, including brown, tan, black, blue, pink, white, red, or purple. Some birthmarks are flat, while others are raised or go into the skin's deeper layers. This guide will help you understand the types, causes, treatment, and prevention of birthmarks.

Types of Birthmarks

There are two main categories of birthmarks:

1. Red birthmarks: These vascular skin markings are related to blood vessels and develop before or shortly after birth.

2. Pigmented birthmarks: These skin markings are present at birth and range in color from brown or black to bluish or blue-gray.

Common Pigmented Birthmarks

• Congenital melanocytosis (previously called Mongolian spots): These bluish marks resemble bruises and often appear on the buttocks, lower back, trunk, or arms. They are more common in people with darker skin.

• Pigmented nevi (moles): These flesh-colored, brown, or black growths can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. Moles form when skin cells grow in clusters instead of spreading evenly.

• Congenital nevi: These are moles present at birth, which have a slightly higher risk of turning into skin cancer. Larger congenital nevi have a greater risk than smaller ones.

• Cafe-au-lait spots: These light tan or brown oval-shaped spots usually appear at birth or in the first few years of life. Multiple large cafe-au-lait spots may indicate neurofibromatosis or other conditions.

Causes and Symptoms of Birthmarks

The exact cause of most birthmarks is unknown, and they are not usually inherited. Pigmented birthmarks are determined by the amount and location of melanin in the skin. Symptoms include abnormally dark, light, or colored skin that may be smooth, flat, raised, or wrinkled. Birthmarks may change in size or color, become itchy, or bleed.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Birthmarks

In most cases, healthcare professionals can diagnose birthmarks based on their appearance. If a mole shows signs of potential skin cancer, a biopsy may be performed. Treatment is usually not necessary for birthmarks unless they interfere with vision or are associated with other health issues. Large or prominent moles that affect self-esteem can be covered with cosmetics or removed surgically.

Preventing Birthmark Complications

While there is no known way to prevent birthmarks, people with birthmarks should use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when outdoors to prevent complications. If you notice any changes in color, size, texture, or experience pain, bleeding, itching, inflammation, or ulceration of a mole or skin lesion, see a doctor right away as these may be warning signs of skin cancer.

For more information on birthmarks, visit:

• American Academy of Dermatology: Birthmarks Overview

• Mayo Clinic: Birthmarks - Symptoms and Causes

• Stanford Children's Health: Birthmarks in Infants