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Birthmarks

Also known as: moles, café-au-lait spot, Mongolian spot, salmon patches, port wine stains, hemangioma

What are birthmarks?

Birthmarks are areas of abnormal skin color, which maybe raised/lifted, in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors that are present at birth or appear within a few weeks of birth in about 10%-30% of babies. Birthmarks are made up of pigmented cells or blood vessels and usually are of no clinical significance.

What causes birthmarks?

The exact cause is unknown.

What are the signs/symptoms of birthmarks?

The physical presence of the birthmark is usually the only symptom. In rare cases, they can hurt, itch, bleed, become infected, or be painful.

What are birthmark care options?

Most birthmarks require no intervention. If you are anxious about your infant or child's birthmark, treatment options are available.

Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: September 16, 2025 12:17 PM

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Vascular Anomalies

Vascular anomalies is a broad term that refers to blood vessels or lymphatic vessels that grow or form in unusual way. Many birthmarks are due to vascular anomalies, but they can occur for other reasons, as well.

Capillary Malformations

A capillary malformation is a flat, sharply defined small or large pink, red or purple birthmark, consisting of small blood vessels that may be found anywhere on the body, but most frequently on the head/neck area.