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Birthmarks
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Skin Hair Nails

Birthmarks

Birthmarks are skin abnormalities present at birth that are generally categorized as either vascular or pigmented.

Overview

Birthmarks are abnormalities of the skin that are present when a baby is born. There are two primary types of birthmarks:

  • Vascular birthmarks: These are made up of blood vessels that have not formed correctly and are usually red. Examples include hemangiomas and port-wine stains.
  • Pigmented birthmarks: These are made of a cluster of pigment cells which cause color in the skin. They can appear in many different colors, including tan, brown, gray, black, or blue. Moles can also be birthmarks.

Causes and Medical Attention

While the exact cause of many birthmarks is unknown, some are known to run in families. A baby's doctor will evaluate the birthmark to determine if it requires monitoring or treatment.

  • Pigmented birthmarks: These are not usually treated, with the exception of moles.
  • Vascular birthmarks: Treatment may include laser surgery.

When to See a Provider

Most birthmarks are not serious, and some may fade on their own, while others remain the same or worsen with age. While they are often primarily a concern for appearance, certain types can increase the risk of skin cancer. You should contact your health care provider if a birthmark:

  • Bleeds
  • Hurts
  • Itches
  • Becomes infected

Frequently Asked Questions

Most infantile hemangiomas grow rapidly in the first few months and then gradually shrink and fade on their own over several years. Treatment is usually recommended if the birthmark is located near the eyes, nose, or mouth, where it could interfere with vision or breathing, or if it is large, ulcerated, or bleeding. A pediatrician or dermatologist will monitor the growth rate and assess the risk of functional impairment to determine if laser therapy or medication is necessary.
While the exact cause of most birthmarks is not fully understood, some types do appear to have a genetic component. Certain pigmented birthmarks, such as café-au-lait spots or specific types of moles, can run in families. However, the majority of vascular and pigmented birthmarks are sporadic, meaning they occur randomly due to developmental variations in blood vessels or pigment cells during fetal growth. Family history alone is not a definitive predictor, but it can be a factor in clinical evaluation.
Yes, birthmarks can change. Vascular birthmarks like port-wine stains may darken and thicken with age, while pigmented birthmarks like moles can grow larger or change color. You should consult a provider if a birthmark changes in size, shape, or color, develops irregular borders, or begins to bleed, itch, or hurt. These changes can sometimes indicate a higher risk of skin cancer or other complications that require biopsy or removal.
hemangioma is a raised, red mass that typically appears shortly after birth, grows for a few months, and then slowly involutes, often leaving little to no trace by adolescence. A port-wine stain, also known as a capillary malformation, is a flat, purple or red patch that is present at birth. Unlike hemangiomas, port-wine stains do not fade on their own; they tend to persist, darken, and become thicker or nodular over time, often requiring laser treatment for cosmetic or medical reasons.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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