About 20-30% of babies have birthmarks on their skin from birth or that appear in the first weeks of life [1].
As they grow, some birthmarks fade, while others grow with the child.
Are birthmarks dangerous?
Doctors classify birthmarks into pigmented and vascular types [2]. Both types can be benign, but some may pose risks or be symptoms of rare diseases [1, 2, 3].
Should I contact a doctor?
Yes, any unusual spots on your baby's skin, especially on the forehead, should be discussed with a doctor [3].
A pediatric dermatologist can check how the blood vessels are connected to the birthmark and how they function. They may recommend an ultrasound, CT, or MRI [4].
These tests will show if any intervention is needed or if the birthmark can be safely ignored.
What are the types of birthmarks?
Pigmented spots:
Congenital melanocytic nevi are, in fact, large moles. In infancy, you just have to watch them. The smaller the spot, the lower the risk of developing melanoma. Spots with a diameter of less than 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) are usually just moles, but the baby should still be monitored by a pediatrician and a dermatologist [2].
Mongolian spots (scientifically known as cutaneous melanosis) most often appear on the back and buttocks and look like bruises. They are called "Mongolian" because they occur in 80% of children of Asian origin. These spots are not dangerous and usually disappear by the age of two [2].
Vascular formations
Salmon spots are named for their pink salmon color and are technically called nevus simplex. They typically appear in clusters on the cheeks, forehead, and neck. This common birthmark appears in about one-third of babies and usually disappears by the age of one and a half [2, 3].
A wine stain (port wine stain, flaming nevus) is a bright red or purple flat spot on the skin. While it can't be completely removed, laser treatments can reduce its appearance. It's best to address this before the baby turns one year old, as older wine stains are harder to correct [2].
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