Birthmarks

Most babies are born with some kind of birthmark, although you hardly notice most of them.

Some babies are born with obvious darker marks, sometimes on their face or body, but laser treatment can usually help the appearance of obvious birthmarks. Very often birthmarks will fade over time or be covered by hair, and are nothing to worry about. Some of the most common birthmarks are:

Strawberry marks

These are pink discolorations on the skin caused by collections of blood capillaries. They may grow rapidly during the first months into a raised bump, but during the second year they start to gradually fade. This process can take anything from three to 10 years but most leave no marks. These marks are more common in baby girls, preemies and twins.

Stork bites

Stork bites are similar to strawberry marks but are found on the back of the neck. Once your baby’s hair grows it usually covers the mark.

Angel kisses

These are pinkish patches, which form on the forehead, eyelids and around the nose, and fade over time to disappear completely by around 2 years.

Spider birthmarks

These are a series of small marks, which appear as a cobweb of dilated blood vessels. They gradually disappear over the first year.

Café-au-lait spots

These are very common and can appear all over the body. They are usually small, flat and pale, and can get bigger as your baby grows. They fade in time but can temporarily darken if exposed to sun. Again, these marks are more common in twins and multiples.

Mongolian spots

These patches are common among darker skinned babies and are caused by clusters of pigment cells in the skin. They appear as grey/bluish bruise-like patches around a baby’s bottom, shoulders, arms and back and fade considerably by the time a child reaches school age, though they may not disappear completely.

Port-wine stains

These are bright red or purple marks usually found on the face, head or neck. They are permanent and often get larger as a child grows, but can be treated with laser surgery. Rarely, port wine stains near the eyes can cause vision problems.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.