Birthmarks are extremely common in newborn babies and young children. This article will walk you through what birthmarks are, why they occur, and what types parents may notice on their child’s skin.
If you ever have questions or concerns about a mark on your child’s skin, Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates in Houston, Texas, is here to support your family with compassionate guidance and the latest pediatric dermatology knowledge. Schedule a visit with us anytime for clarity and peace of mind.
Birthmarks are areas of skin that look different from the surrounding skin and are often present at birth or appear within the first few weeks of life. Most birthmarks are harmless, and many fade over time as a child grows. Others may persist throughout a child’s life or rarely be associated with underlying medical conditions.
Birthmarks form for different reasons—some involve clusters of extra pigment cells, while others involve the structure or growth of blood vessels in the skin. While parents sometimes worry about long-term issues like skin cancer or an increased risk of complications, the majority of common birthmarks do not cause long-term harm.
Understanding the types of birthmarks can help you know what to expect and when your pediatrician may recommend additional evaluation.
Healthcare providers generally group birthmarks into two broad categories:
Both categories include common birthmarks that many newborns have, as well as rare types that may require treatment or long-term monitoring.
Vascular birthmarks occur when clusters of blood vessels form differently during fetal development. Many of these marks appear red or pink, leading parents to refer to them as “red birthmarks.”
A nevus simplex is one of the most common vascular marks. These light pink patches—often called salmon patches, angel kisses, or stork bites—are typically found on the eyelids, forehead, or the back of the neck. They usually fade significantly during early childhood and rarely require treatment.
These birthmarks develop shortly after birth and grow during the first year of life. Often called strawberry hemangiomas or strawberry marks, they are soft, bright red, and raised above the skin. Most birthmarks of this type shrink over time without intervention, though rare cases may require treatment if they interfere with breathing, vision, feeding, or ulcerate.
Port wine stains are flat, dark red or purple marks caused by dilated blood vessels near the skin’s surface. Unlike salmon patches, port wine stains do not fade on their own. In some children, port wine stains near the eye or forehead may be associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome, so evaluation may be recommended.
Laser treatment can lighten or improve the appearance of port wine stains and is often considered during early childhood.
Pigmented birthmarks occur when extra pigment cells cluster in one area. These marks often have a light brown, dark brown, or bluish color.
A café au lait spot is a smooth, flat patch with a light brown color—similar to coffee with milk. These au lait spots may be present at birth or appear during infancy. Many children have one or two café au lait spots; however, several or increasing numbers may warrant evaluation to rule out underlying conditions. Most café au lait marks do not require treatment and remain stable throughout the child’s life.
Congenital nevi are moles present at birth. They may vary in size from very small to large and dark. Most congenital nevi are harmless, though larger ones have a slightly increased risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
Your pediatrician may recommend monitoring or, in some cases, surgical removal if changes occur in the lesion or if the nevus is very large.
These are flat, bluish-gray patches often found on the lower back or buttocks. While they may look concerning, they are completely harmless and tend to fade as the child gets older. These marks are caused by pigment cells deeper in the skin and are more common in children with darker skin tones.
Most birthmarks are harmless and simply part of the unique beauty of your child’s skin. As your child grows, many marks fade or change, while others remain stable throughout life. With guidance, monitoring, and—when needed—treatment options, families can feel confident managing both common and more complex birthmarks.
If you have questions about your child’s birthmarks or want a pediatrician’s expertise, Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates in Houston has experience treating a wide range of skin conditions in children. Schedule an appointment today for personalized guidance and peace of mind.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Patti Savrick
Most birthmarks are harmless and do not pose any health risks. Many fade or become less noticeable as a child grows, while others remain stable throughout life. Only a small number of birthmarks are associated with underlying medical conditions, which is why monitoring and pediatric guidance are important.
Vascular birthmarks involve blood vessels and often appear red, pink, or purple, such as salmon patches, hemangiomas, and port wine stains. Pigmented birthmarks result from clusters of pigment-producing cells and usually appear brown, black, or bluish, including café au lait spots, congenital nevi, and Mongolian spots.
No, most birthmarks do not require treatment. Some vascular birthmarks, such as hemangiomas or port wine stains, may benefit from early evaluation if they affect vision, breathing, feeding, or are associated with certain conditions. Treatment decisions are based on the type, size, location, and behavior of the birthmark.
Parents should seek evaluation if a birthmark changes in size, color, or texture; increases in number; causes symptoms; or is located near sensitive areas such as the eyes or face. A pediatrician can determine whether monitoring, further testing, or treatment is recommended.
