Birthmarks are individually unique areas of raised or flat discolored skin. Most birthmarks are visible on a baby's skin at birth; others may not show up for several days or weeks. Contrary to a popular myth, they are not related to any trauma or stress experienced by mothers during pregnancy.

Most birthmarks are harmless; many fade on their own in the first few years of life. But some vascular birthmarks (caused by an abnormal cluster of blood vessels that grow during fetal development) can grow larger and more pronounced over time. According to the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation (www.birthmark.org), approximately 40,000 U.S. children born each year have birthmarks that require specialized medical attention.

Vascular Birthmarks

Red and purple birthmarks appear in a variety of sizes and are the result of enlarged small blood vessels (capillaries) just beneath the surface of the skin. Vascular birthmarks do not fade away.

Hemangiomas

Hemangiomas are raised or bulging lesions that consist of dilated vessels that appear within one month of birth. Approximately 10% of all babies are born with hemangiomas. Although some regress during the first few years, 10% of hemangiomas grow in size by age 12.

Strawberry hemangiomas get their name from their bright red coloration and raised texture. This type of hemangioma may appear anywhere on the body, but is most common on the face, scalp, back, or chest. Strawberry hemangiomas consist of small, closely packed blood vessels. They may develop within several weeks following birth. They usually grow rapidly, remain a fixed size for a while, and then subside. 95% of strawberry hemangiomas disappear by the time the child is 10 years old, although there may be some slight discoloration or puckering of the skin that fails to regress.

In adults the most common hemangiomas are cherry angiomas, which appear as smooth, red projections.

Hemangiomas of many descriptions can be treated successfully using a Lumenis IPL^TM device. After several, rapid treatments, the hemangiomas usually reduce in size, or are totally eliminated.

Port Wine Stains

Similar in appearance to other red birthmarks, port wine stains show up as red or purple blotches on the skin, and do not fade away. The most familiar example of a port wine stain probably belongs to former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachov, who has one on his forehead. These birthmarks are caused by a web of dilated capillaries within the skin structure. Treatment involves closing up these capillaries, which are not necessary for blood circulation. The discoloration is resolved as blood no longer flows through the area.

About three out of every 1,000 babies are born with a port wine stain, which may grow progressively darker and thicker over time, changing the texture of the skin and becoming more difficult to treat. Port wine stains on the forehead, eyelids or both sides of the face are sometimes associated with other developmental abnormalities such as glaucoma, which, when left untreated, can cause blindness. Please consult your physician for more information and an examination.

Port wine stains were the first skin condition to be treated successfully with lasers and light technology. These treatments proved light's ability to treat blood vessels and blood without harming the surrounding skin structures.

Treatment of port wine stains requires a series of IPL procedures over several weeks. Through this gradual, cumulative process, the IPL can produce excellent results.

Other Birthmarks and Acquired Pigmentation

Macular Stains: These faint, mild red marks are the most common type of vascular birthmarks, appearing on 30% to 50% of newborns. They are often called "angel's kisses," when they are located on the forehead or eyelids, where they tend to disappear by the age of two. When they're found on the back of the neck, they're called "stork bites" or "salmon patches," and usually last into adulthood. Macular stains may also occur on the tip of the nose, upper lip or any other body location.

Pigmented Birthmarks: Compared to red vascular birthmarks, pigmented lesions and nevi (moles) can be more difficult to treat. Lasers and IPL can often help in the fading process, but a complete resolution is difficult to achieve.

Cafe Au Lait Birthmarks: These light tan spots are common birthmarks that are similar in color to coffee with milk. About 20% of children are born with these discolorations, which usually shrink as the child grows.

Nevi (moles): These are small clusters of pigmented skin cells. Nearly everyone has moles, which usually appear after birth. Congenital nevi (moles present at birth) have an increased risk of becoming skin cancer. This is especially true if the mole covers an area of the body larger than a fist. All congenital moles should be examined by an appropriately trained health care provider.

Mongolian Spots: Also called mongolian blue spots, they usually appear as bluish or bruised skin. They are often found on the lower back or buttocks and are more commonly seen in darker-skinned individuals. This birthmark may persist for months or years, but rarely becomes cancerous or develops other symptoms.

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