Birthmarks in children

A birthmark is a coloured mark that can occur anywhere on your child’s skin, or sometimes inside their body. Birthmarks come in a variety of forms. Some are present at birth while others can develop within a year or two. Your child may have more than one.

Although their appearance may cause concern, most birthmarks are harmless and can fade over time. However, some require treatment either for medical reasons or to cosmetically improve their appearance, especially if they’re somewhere prominent on your child’s face or body.

Because birthmarks present in such a variety of ways, there are lots of reasons why your child may be born with them. Typically, they are caused by an excess growth of blood vessels, smooth muscle, fat or skin cells such as melanocytes, fibroblasts and keratinocytes.

The two most common types of birthmarks are:

• Vascular birthmarks: These are blue, pink, purple or red in colour and are caused by unusual blood vessels.
• Pigmented birthmarks: These are brown or tan in colour and are caused by pigmented skin cells.

Salmon patches

Salmon patches are also sometimes known as stork marks or stork bites. These pale red birthmarks can appear on your child’s eyelids, neck or forehead at birth. They’re caused by an overgrowth of blood vessels beneath your child’s skin, and most fade by themselves within a few months.

Capillary malformation

Capillary malformations, commonly called port wine stains, look like a flat red or pink mark on your child’s skin. They usually appear from birth and deepen in colour as your child grows older.

Mongolian spots

Mongolian spots are blue-grey birthmarks that look like bruises and are usually present from birth. These marks typically disappear, although they may take a few months or sometimes years to completely fade from your child’s skin.

Infantile haemangiomas

Infantile haemangiomas, also sometimes called strawberry marks, are red birthmarks caused by blood vessels forming in a lump under your child’s skin. These birthmarks are more common in girls than boys and typically grow larger at first, before regressing. Some need treatment depending on the position on the body or if it’s affecting function. 

Congenital melanocytic naevi

Congenital melanocytic naevi can appear as brown or black moles and are typically present from birth. They can be small or large. These birthmarks are fairly common and usually don't need treatment, although in some cases they can darken and become hairy or bumpy.

Café-au-lait

Café-au-lait birthmarks look like small coffee-coloured patches on your child’s skin. Your child may have several of these birthmarks, and they can change in size and number over time. These marks are usually harmless but if your child has more than six, it’s a good idea to take them to see their GP. They can check whether they have an underlying genetic disorder and answer any questions you have. 

You can book same-day and next-day GP appointments with us.

If you’re concerned about your child’s birthmark, it’s best to talk to a GP or a consultant dermatologist. They may recommend tests to diagnose the type of birthmark your child has and, if your child needs treatment, will discuss any treatment options with you. You can find out more on the tests and scans we offer in the section below.