Birthmarks (children)

What is a birth mark?

A birthmark is a coloured mark that is visible on the skin or inside the body. Birthmarks can either be present at birth or will develop soon afterwards. Birthmarks are caused by overgrowth of blood vessels, melanocytes, smooth muscle, fat, fibroblasts, or keratinocytes. There are several types and some are more common than others.

The most common types of birthmarks are:

• vascular birthmarks (which occur as a result of abnormal blood vessels and are blue, pink, purple or red in colour)
• pigmented birthmarks (which are caused by clusters of pigment cells and are tan or brown in colour).

Types of birthmarks in children

Salmon patches

Salmon patches (stork marks) are a common type of vascular birthmark appearing at birth on the eyelids, neck or forehead. Most fade in a few months.

Infantile haemangiomas

Infantile haemangiomas are sometimes known as strawberry marks. They are particularly common in girls and usually disappear by the age of seven.

Capillary malformation

Capillary malformation (also known as port wine stains) usually affect newborn babies. Most are permanent and will deepen in colour over time.

Café-au-lait

These are coffee coloured skin patches. Some children have one or two, but if more than six are present by the age of five, you should see your GP.

Mongolian spots

These blue-grey birthmarks look like bruises and are usually present from birth. Although they may last for months or years, they usually disappear.

Congenital melanocytic naevi

These large brown or black moles are usually present from birth. They usually become smaller over time, but can darken and become hairy or bumpy.