Congratulations, your newest addition has finally arrived and as you count all their fingers and toes, you may notice a few other things as well. Though it may be concerning to new parents, it is incredibly common. Almost 80% of babies are born with some type of birthmark. However, we know how difficult it can be not to worry about all the little things, and we are here to alleviate your fears. 

What is a Birthmark? 

According to Kids Health, birthmarks are marks on the skin that a baby can develop before birth or soon after. Birthmarks can be flat or raised, have regular or irregular borders, and have different shades of coloring from brown, tan, black, or pale blue to pink, red, or purple.

Most birth marks are harmless, but there are some that require medical attention. 

4 Types of Common Newborn Birthmarks

Stork Bites

A stork bite, also referred to as an Angel’s Kiss, is a reference to the old wives tale that babies were brought by a stork. The Angel Kiss is in reference to a deceased loved one kissing the baby before sending them down to you. 

Stork Bites are harmless birthmarks that are most commonly found on the back of the neck. They can also be found on the forehead, eyelids and upper lip. They are flat and pink or red in color. They may darken in color if your baby is crying, strains, or is too warm. They can vary in size. 

Causes and Treatment

Stork Bites are caused by a cluster of tiny, dilated blood vessels (capillaries) close to the skin’s surface. They are a result of stretching blood vessels and increased blood flow during fetal development. 

No treatment is needed for Stork Bites, as they are harmless and purely cosmetic. Most of these marks will fade within the first two years of life. If it is something that bothers your child down the line, laser therapy is also an option. 

Mongolian Spots

These birthmarks are bluish-grey or purple and most often appear on the buttocks, lower back and hips of infants. They are irregularly shaped and can be mistaken for bruises. They affect 15-20% of infants. 

Causes & Treatment

These spots are harmless and caused by an accumulation of pigment cells deep in the skin. They often fade by four years old, though some stay until the teenage years. No treatment is required

Strawberry Hemangioma

Strawberry Hemangiomas are a type of birthmark that might raise more concern in parents, given the nature of  its appearance. These non-cancerous tumors are often raised, red and bumpy. They can give off the appearance of a strawberry, hence the name. These birthmarks may not always appear at birth but can develop in the first two months of life. 

Causes and Treatments:

The cause of Strawberry Hemangiomas are unknown, but are thought to be related to an overgrowth of blood vessels during fetal development. Risk factors are premature birth, low birth weight and multiple births. 

Most do not require treatment, but they do need to be observed to ensure they aren’t overly large or growing rapidly, or if it is impairing breathing or vision. Laser therapy, steroid injections and surgery are also potential treatments. If no treatment is needed, they shrink and fade away within 5-10 years. 

Port Wine Stains:

Port Wine Stains are permanent birthmarks that appear as reddish-purple patches on the skin. They have flat, well defined borders, may start as red or pink and will darken over time. These birthmarks are more rare than others, affecting 1 in 3000 infants. They can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the face, neck and limbs. 

Causes and Treatment

 Though most Port Wine Stains are harmless, they can be a sign of other underlying diseases. As these birthmarks are permanent, Seeing a dermatologist for monitoring is essential in making sure the birthmark is benign. 

Laser treatment is available for those who wish to lighten the birthmark. Applying sunscreen to the affected area to protect the birthmark and monitoring it for changes in shape and size are the most important ways to care for it. 

Congenital Moles

These birthmarks are often present at birth or can develop shortly after and affect 1 in 100 infants. There are three types of congenital moles. 

• Common Nevi: Small, round or oval, typically brown or black. 
• Giant Nevi: Large, often irregularly shaped, and can cover a significant portion of the body. 
• Melanocytic hamartomas: May have a raised or bumpy surface and can sometimes have hair growth.

Most Congenital Moles are benign, though some may grow in size and have an unusual shape, grow warts or hair and cause itching or discomfort. 

Causes and Treatments:

Your doctor or dermatologist will perform a physical exam, and may biopsy the mole to ensure it is benign. The moles may be removed for cosmetic concerns or discomfort. The giant nevi and melanocytic hamartomas are at a larger risk of contracting Melanoma. They may also become cancerous, which is why consistent monitoring is crucial. 

These are the most common types of birthmarks seen in infants and children. Most causes for birthmarks remain unknown, so preventative care is unfortunately not applicable. The best thing to remember is that though your baby may have or develop a birthmark, most are harmless and will fade with time. If your child is born with a birthmark, make sure to alert your pediatrician and see a dermatologist for monitoring so you can rest easy knowing your little one is in safe hands. 
Our team at Well Supported Family by Nightingales is well versed in understanding newborn care and helping alleviate any worries new parents may have. We offer 24/7 live-in care as well as overnight and daytime care, ensuring that your family will be supported in the best way possible.