BIRTHMARK
SKIN CONCERN: BIRTHMARKS
A birthmark is a congenital, benign irregularity on the skin that is present at birth or appears shortly after birth, usually in the first month.
Pigmented birthmarks caused by excess skin pigment and cells include moles, café au lait spots and Mongolian spots.
Vascular birthmarks, also called red birthmarks, are caused by increased blood vessels and include macular stains (salmon patches), hemangiomas and Port-wine stains. A little over 1 in 10 babies have a vascular birthmark present by age 1.
The exact cause of most birthmarks is unknown, but they are thought to occur as a result of a localised imbalance in factors controlling the development and migration of skin cells. In addition, it is known that vascular birthmarks are not hereditary.
Birthmarks can be removed through laser therapy.