Birthmarks are often considered a sign of beauty. It’s very difficult to find two people with the same birthmark, and because of this uniqueness, some people are fond of them. Birthmarks appear when a baby is born or soon after, and they display different characteristics.
Salmon Patches
Salmon patch birthmarks are a very common type of birthmark among children. They range in color from light pink to red and are flat and thin (not protruding out of skin). Salmon patches are common on the back of the neck, near the eyes, or between the eyebrows. Some salmon patches on the face lighten and fade away within the first year of a baby’s life.
Congenital Moles
Congenital moles are a common type of birthmark. They are a brown color and appear in all shapes and sizes anywhere on the body. Doctors closely watch larger moles to make sure they do not become cancerous later in life.
Cafe-Au-Lait Spots
This type of birthmark can develop at birth and also later in a child’s life. Cafe-au-lait spots appear as shades of brown and in a circle or oval shape. They are most common on the torso and legs.
Mongolian Spots
Mongolian spots are bluish or grayish birthmarks that mostly appear on the back or buttocks. Mongolian spots usually occur in Asian, Hispanic, African, or Pacific Islander children. They tend to fade away by the time a child reaches school age.
Port-Wine Stains
Port-wine stains appear as pink or red spots at birth and darken over time to a dark red or purple. They do not fade away with time. The most common place for babies to get port-wine stains is on the face. People seek laser therapy to treat port-wine stains, which can help lighten the color and help them fade away. Port-wine stains are associated with a brain condition called Sturge-Weber syndrome, which doctors look out for when examining them.
Marks of Concern
Most birthmarks are harmless to the health of a person, but in some cases, they can be a sign of concern. Some examples include extra-large birthmarks or port-wine stains. Be sure to discuss any of your baby’s birthmarks with a doctor to ensure you catch something concerning early on.
Pediatric Dermatologists
The best type of doctor to see for a birthmark exam or question is a dermatologist. Dermatologists are medical physicians with specialized training in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions and diseases associated with the skin, nails, and hair.
If you have a dermatological concern regarding your child, a pediatric dermatologist is the best medical professional available. Pediatric dermatologists understand babies’ and children’s dermatological needs better than anyone.
Expert Child Skin Care in South Florida
Children’s Skin Center is one of the few centers with doctors who are board-certified in both dermatology and pediatric dermatology. Due to our doctors’ advanced training in these fields, our center is ideal for your whole family’s dermatology care needs.
Call (305) 669-6555 to make an appointment at one of our eight locations today, or request an appointment online.
