Birthmarks

Also known as: moles, café-au-lait spot, Mongolian spot, salmon patches, port wine stains, hemangioma

What are birthmarks?

Birthmarks are areas of abnormal skin color, which maybe raised/lifted, in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors that are present at birth or appear within a few weeks of birth in about 10%-30% of babies. Birthmarks are made up of pigmented cells or blood vessels and usually are of no clinical significance.

What causes birthmarks?

The exact cause is unknown.

What are the signs/symptoms of birthmarks?

The physical presence of the birthmark is usually the only symptom. In rare cases, they can hurt, itch, bleed, become infected, or be painful.

What are birthmark care options?

Most birthmarks require no intervention. If you are anxious about your infant or child's birthmark, treatment options are available.

Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: August 31, 2021 02:56 PM