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Birthmarks

Birthmarks (Vascular Anomalies)

What are birthmarks?

Birthmarks are areas of discolored and/or raised skin that are apparent in the newborn nursury or within a few weeks of birth. Birthmarks are composed of pigment cells or blood vessels. About 10 in every 100 babies have a vascular birthmarks.

Although the cause of vascualr birthmarks is unknown, most of them are benign and do not require treatment. Babies with birthmarks should be examined and diagnosed by your child's physician.

The following are the most common:

flat not elevated stains- the most common type of vascular birthmark, characterized by pink to red marks that may appear anywhere on the body.
- angel's kiss- marks located on the forehead and eyelids, which usually disappear by the age of 2 years.
- stork bite - marks on the back of the neck, which may last into adulthood.
- infantile hemangioma - the most common vascular tumor (birthmark). Hemangioma becomes visible within the first two weeks of life and continue to grow rapidly for about 6 to 9 months. Then, they gradually lose this red color. In the past, they were called strawberry hemangiomas.
- Capillary malformation -sometimes called a "port-wine stain," or "nevus flammeus," is a flat, pink, red, or purple mark that appears at birth, often on the face, arm, or leg, and continues to grow as the child grows. Capillary malformation do not go away and often require treatment if located on the eyelid or forehead. Capillary malformation involving the face may cause eye problems.


		Programs related to this topic:

		Sturge-Weber Syndrome Clinic
		Vascular Anomalies Center

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					Children's Hospital Boston is the primary pediatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School

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