Everything you need to know about moles and birthmarks

Storkmarks, angel kisses and beauty spots.

Many babies are born with small marks on their skin and the vast majority are not cause for alarm. Although some disappear within a few weeks, others have to be monitored a little more closely and checked periodically for changes in colour, size and shape. Birthmarks are simply small alterations in the colour and texture of the skin. They can vary in size from just a few millimeters to a few centimeters and they can appear anywhere on the body. Freckles, marks and certain types of birthmarks are due to an accumulation of melanocytes (the melanin cells that give the skin its colour) or due to dilated blood vessels. By and large, birthmarks can be divided into two types, namely vascular and pigmented birthmarks. Vascular birthmarks Vascular birthmarks are a result of blood vessels either not forming correctly, or increasing in size to the point that they can be seen through the skin. The most common type of vascular birthmark is a pink or salmon coloured stain, usually appearing in the face or neck area. These marks can often go unnoticed in the first few days of life due to their light colour. These marks often disappear in early childhood, but can remain on the skin through to adulthood. They are usually small and don't give rise to major cosmetic problems. Haemangiomas are another variety of common birthmarks that develop while babies are still in the womb. These red marks are more obvious because in addition to having a darker tone than vascular types, they also have a bumpy texture and are raised off the skin. Corticosteroid medication can be injected into the haemangioma in order to reduce its growth and stop any inflammation. Alternatively, laser treatment can also be used to reduce redness or remove this type of birthmark. The last most common type of vascular birthmark is nevus flammeus, commonly known as a port wine stain because of its dark colour. These wine-coloured patches much more evident on the skin, and usually grow as the baby grows. Port wine stains have a flat appearance, with no significant texture or roughness and generally appear on the face. It can cause cosmetic concern because they do not usually disappear. A brain scan may be performed (under anaesthetic) on babies with this type of mark in the head area in order to check for signs of Sturge-Weber syndrome, a rare congenital neurological and skin disorder that can be associated with port wine stains. Pigmented birthmarks In this case, spots on the skin are due to an increase of colour (melanin) in a certain area. Pigmented birthmarks are usually just called moles, but are also known as nevi. Moles can range in frequency and size, from tiny spots up to what are known as giant nevi. When they are very large they can be raised and produce more hair than other areas. They should be monitored, especially in relation to sun exposure. A Spitz naevus is a less common type of mole that usually appears on the face or limbs of children and can grow rapidly for a few months. After initially increasing in size, these dome-shaped reddish-brown marks can then remain static for years or disappear spontaneously after a period of time. Mongolian spots can be blue-grey, blue-black or even deep brown and frequently appear on the back, particularly on the lower back or even in the glutes and are more common in darker skin tones. They normally disappear three to five years after birth and almost always by puberty. Mongolian spots are often mistaken for bruises by those who are not familiar with them, resulting in unfounded concerns about physical abuse. Treating birthmarks In most cases birthmarks do not require any treatment except to eliminate cosmetic problems or malignant complications in the case of moles. Treatment options include laser removal and surgery in some cases. For non-treatable birthmarks causing aesthetic concerns, a special type of camouflage make-up that covers birthmarks is available on prescription. Speak to your doctor if you are in any way worried about a mark on your child's body - they can refer you to a dermatologist who will be able to discuss your options and answer any questions you might have.