Kinds of Birthmarks
Birthmarks get their name because most birthmarks are obvious soon after a baby is born. While some birthmarks go away or fade as the person ages, other birthmarks become thicker, darker or bigger. There are various kinds of birthmarks.
Salmon Patches
The most common kind of birthmark is the salmon patch, a flat, thin birthmark sometimes called an angel kiss or a stork bite. These light pink or red birthmarks usually form on the upper eyelids, the back of the neck, between the eyebrows and above the upper lip.
Port-Wine Stains
Port-wine stains are pinkish-red at birth but turn a dark reddish-purple shade within several years. These birthmarks range in size from very small to covering a large region of the body.
Hemangiomas
Hemangiomas are raised purple, red or blue birthmarks. These birthmarks can grow on the skin or deeper in the body.
Mongolian Spots
Mongolian spots are smooth blue-gray or blue birthmarks most commonly seen on Asian, Pacific Island, African or Hispanic babies. These birthmarks typically appear on the buttocks and the lower back.
Cafe-Au-Lait Spots
Cafe-au-lait birthmarks are usually smooth oval spots that range from light brown to chocolate brown in color. These birthmarks are typically on the legs, buttocks and torso.
Causes
A majority of birthmarks are caused by extra pigment in the skin. Port-wine stains and hemangiomas are clumps of blood vessels that didn't grow normally.
