Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Birthmarks (children)
HCA UK's experts can help to diagnose and treat a range of birthmarks in 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.
Need to know
Birthmarks can occur anywhere on your skin, as well as inside your body.
Most are harmless and will fade over time but some will require further treatment for medical or cosmetic reasons.
At HCA UK, our team of dermatologists specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of a range of paediatric skin-related conditions, so if you are unsure whether the area is a birth mark a consultation with a specialist can confirm this.
Your GP or consultant will discuss your child’s birthmark with you. Tests they may recommend to diagnose the type of birthmark include:
- Examining the skin on your child’s face, chest, back, arms and legs to check the extent of their condition
- Ultrasound scan or MRI scan to check for internal birthmarks
Treatment options for your child’s birthmark depend on the nature of their condition. Your GP or consultant may recommend:
- Excision (surgery) to remove the birthmark
- Plastic surgery to improve the appearance of the skin
- Medicine such as steroids to shrink the birthmark
- Laser treatment to reduce the size of an internal birthmark
- Camouflage make up
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.