Birthmarks are colored skin spots that either are present at birth or develop shortly after birth. Birthmarks can be many different colors, including brown, tan, black, pale blue, pink, white, red, or purple.Some birthmarks are only colorations of the surface on the skin.

Types of birthmarks

Red or vascular birthmarks.
Pigmented birthmarks.

Signs and symptoms of Birthmarks

There are no symptoms of birthmarks.They simply are colored marks on the skin. One kind of birthmark can look very different from another kind of birthmark.

Many different colors, including brown, tan, black, pale blue, pink, red, or purple.
Have regular or irregular borders
Birthmarks only on the surface of the skin or extend into the tissues under the skin.
Birthmarks only flat or raised.

Causes of Birthmarks

The cause of most birthmarks is unknown. Most birthmarks are not inherited.

The tendency to have birthmarks may be inherited and some marks may be similar to marks on other family members, but most are not.
Some are caused by an over-growth of fine blood vessels, others by an overgrowth of pigment (colour) cells (called melanocytes).
Most vascular birthmarks are not due to difficulties or problems that happen to the mother during pregnancy, nor are they inherited.

Treatment of Birthmarks

Most birthmarks are harmless and need no treatment. They often fade or disappear as a child grows older. Birthmarks that are found on internal organs always need treatment and may be associated with more serious problems. Treatment is most common for hemangiomas and port-wine stains and can include corticosteroids, laser therapy, and surgery.

Laser therapy : Lasers often are used to treat birthmarks that are close to the surface of the skin, such as port-wine stains. Sometimes using laser therapy to treat a growing hemangioma stops it from growing, but laser therapy may not work to treat deeper hemangiomas. Laser therapy can be done at any age.

Surgery : A hemangioma needs to be surgically removed when other treatments have not worked or when the hemangioma is on an internal organ. Surgical removal of a hemangioma may leave a scar, which may need to be removed or faded with other treatments.

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