Birthmarks - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
By ScanSkinAI Editorial Team✓ Reviewed for medical safetyLast updated June 2026
Colored marks on the skin that are present at birth or develop shortly after. They can be many different sizes, shapes, and colors, including brown, tan, black, pale blue, pink, red, or purple. Some birthmarks fade over time, while others become more prominent.
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Quick Answer
Birthmarks are coloured skin marks that appear at birth or shortly after. They are very common, affecting up to eighty percent of babies, and generally fall into two categories: vascular, which are caused by extra blood vessels, and pigmented, which are caused by clusters of pigment cells. Examples include port wine stains, hemangiomas, café-au-lait spots, and congenital moles. While mostly completely harmless and requiring no treatment, some birthmarks might benefit from medical monitoring or therapy if they affect vital functions like vision or breathing.
Clinical Context
Birthmarks affect up to 80% of newborns and fall into two main categories: vascular (caused by blood vessels) and pigmented (caused by melanocytes). Vascular birthmarks include hemangiomas and port wine stains. Pigmented birthmarks include café-au-lait spots, Mongolian spots, and congenital moles. While most are benign, some birthmarks warrant evaluation - multiple café-au-lait spots may indicate neurofibromatosis, and large congenital moles carry melanoma risk.
Symptoms
- Colored patches on skin
- Flat or raised areas
- Various shapes and sizes
- May change in appearance over time
- Vascular types may feel warm
- Some may fade, others persist
Severity & Progression
Causes & Risk Factors
- Overgrowth of blood vessels (vascular birthmarks)
- Clusters of pigment cells (pigmented birthmarks)
- Generally not inherited
- Usually unknown trigger
Treatment & Management
Most birthmarks require no treatment. For hemangiomas that interfere with function or cause complications, beta-blockers (propranolol) are first-line therapy. Laser treatment (pulsed dye laser) effectively treats port wine stains and some vascular birthmarks. Surgical excision may be considered for certain pigmented birthmarks or after hemangiomas involute. Treatment timing depends on the type and location.
- Most don't require treatment
- Laser therapy for cosmetic concerns or port wine stains
- Beta-blockers (propranolol) for hemangiomas
- Surgery for certain types
- Regular monitoring for larger pigmented birthmarks
Red Flags & Complications
Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Hemangiomas near eyes can affect vision
- Airway involvement with large facial hemangiomas
- Ulceration and bleeding of surface hemangiomas
- Psychological impact of visible birthmarks
- Rare association with syndromes (Sturge-Weber, PHACE)
Self-Care Tips
- Monitor for changes in size, color, or texture
- Protect from sun exposure
- Document with photos over time
- Address emotional impacts in older children
When to See a Doctor
If a birthmark changes in appearance, becomes painful, bleeds, if your child has 6+ café-au-lait spots, or if concerned about cosmetic appearance
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell what kind of birthmark my baby has?
Birthmarks vary widely in appearance. Vascular birthmarks, like hemangiomas and port wine stains, often appear as red, pink, or purple patches and may feel warm to the touch. Pigmented birthmarks, such as café-au-lait spots or congenital moles, usually appear flat or raised in shades of brown, tan, pale blue, or black. A doctor can help determine the exact type based on its visual characteristics.
Are birthmarks caused by something I did during pregnancy?
No, birthmarks are not caused by anything a mother does or does not do during pregnancy. The exact triggers are usually unknown. Vascular birthmarks result from an overgrowth of blood vessels in a specific area, while pigmented birthmarks are caused by clusters of pigment-producing cells in the skin. They are also generally not inherited from parents.
Will my child's birthmark eventually fade or go away entirely?
This depends on the specific type of birthmark. Many vascular birthmarks, particularly hemangiomas, often shrink and fade significantly by the time a child reaches school age. However, others like port wine stains and most pigmented birthmarks usually persist throughout life and can sometimes grow or become more prominent as the child grows.
Does my child need treatment for their birthmark?
Most birthmarks are completely harmless and require no treatment at all. If a birthmark causes cosmetic concerns, laser therapy is highly effective for reducing port wine stains. For hemangiomas that interfere with breathing, vision, or feeding, doctors may prescribe beta-blockers like propranolol. Some larger pigmented birthmarks might be surgically removed or closely monitored.
When should I be worried about my baby's birthmark and see a doctor?
You should consult a doctor if a birthmark suddenly changes in size, colour, or texture. Immediate medical attention is necessary if a birthmark bleeds, becomes painful, ulcerates, or if an expanding hemangioma is located near the eyes, nose, or mouth, where it might interfere with vision or breathing. Having multiple café-au-lait spots should also be evaluated professionally.
Is there any way to care for a birthmark at home?
There is no way to prevent birthmarks, but good home care involves protecting the area from sunburns with protective clothing or sunscreen once the baby is old enough. It is also highly recommended to take regular photographs of the birthmark next to a ruler. This makes it much easier for you and your healthcare provider to track any changes over time.
Are all red birthmarks 'strawberry marks' that require medication?
No, not all red birthmarks are strawberry marks. While hemangiomas are often called strawberry marks because of their bright red, raised appearance, others like port wine stains are flat and look quite different. Furthermore, most hemangiomas fade entirely on their own and do not require medicines like beta-blockers unless they interfere with a bodily function or cause a significant complication.
How can ScanSkinAI help with birthmarks?
ScanSkinAI is designed to help you document and monitor your child's birthmark over time. By taking periodic photos, the AI screening aid can analyze images for visual changes in size, shape, or colour. Please remember that ScanSkinAI is a screening tool only, not a substitute for a doctor. Always consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis or if you notice concerning changes.
Related Conditions
Medical References
Information on this page is sourced from and verified against reputable medical resources:
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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content on this page should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of your condition.