Birthmarks are everywhere in our world. They affect 80 percent of babies in one variety or another. Some of them fade with age, and some do not. Interestingly, medical science hasn’t found out why birthmarks form yet. We do know, however, that they are not inherited. Plus, we know how to treat them or help them fade when age does not help. Read on to learn more about birthmarks, their types, and treatment options.
What are birthmarks?
Birthmarks are discolorations on the skin that appear at birth or shortly afterwards. They can appear anywhere on the body, and in a variety of types and forms.
Types of birthmarks include:
- Cafe au lait spot: Usually round and pale brown, these appear at birth or soon after and do not fade with age. Usually, people only have one or two, but more are possible.
- Mongolian spots: These harmless spots resemble blue-gray bruises, and appear from the lower back to the thighs. They fade when the child is about 4 years old.
- Hemangiomas (strawberry marks): Red and raised, these start off small and flat but may grow later on. These may eventually fade after a quick growth through about 4 or 5 months of age. They are thought to be caused by an accumulation of cells that make up the lining of blood vessels.
- Port wine stain: A red or purple mark usually found on the face but may appear anywhere. These are caused by blood vessels bleeding in the affected area, and may get darker if left untreated.
- Telangiectatic nevus (salmon patch, stork bite, or angel kiss): Expansion in the capillaries causes these slightly red birthmarks. If on the neck, they are called stork bites/marks, and angel kisses if they’re found on the face.
- Congenital melanocytic nevus: Resembling large light to dark-brown moles, these vary in size and shape, and even texture. This birthmark affects about 1% of American children. It does come with a cancer risk, but it’s low and linked to size. If your child has one of these birthmarks and you are concerned about the risk, talk to your pediatrician.
Treatment
Birthmarks are generally not harmful or any cause for concern by themselves. However, placement of some types of birthmarks may cause complications. One example is a strawberry mark developing on the eyelid, which can affect the child’s vision. As mentioned above, some types of melanocytic nevi can carry a cancer risk, and port wine stains around the eye may increase the risk of glaucoma.
Beyond these, birthmarks by themselves do not generally require treatment. Though treatment exists, it may not be necessary unless they cause problems with mobility, feeding, hearing, breathing, or sight.
Treatment types for birthmarks include:
- Corticosteroids taken as an injection or orally to halt a birthmark’s growth or to shrink it
- Interferon alfa-12 in place of corticosteroids
- Laser therapy to reduce the visibility of port wine stains and other birthmarks close to the surface of the skin
- Surgery for birthmarks that cause health problems and that have resisted other treatments
If you are concerned about a birthmark, whether it’s yours or your child’s, don’t hesitate to ask! A pediatrician or a dermatologist can tell you more about these birthmarks and what treatment options are available to you.