When should I be concerned about a birthmark?

Usually birthmarks are only a concern for your appearance. But certain types can increase your risk of skin cancer. If your birthmark bleeds, hurts, itches, or becomes infected, call your health care provider.

When should you worry about birthmarks?

These are coffee-coloured pigmented patches on the skin that are generally no cause for concern, although if your child develops more than six spots, or they measure more than 5cm in diameter, you should see your doctor.

Can a birthmark become cancerous?

Different types of birthmarks are made up of different types of cells. Most birthmarks, such as the common port wine stains and strawberry marks, carry no risk of developing into a cancer. But a very rare type, called a giant congenital melanocytic naevus, can develop into a melanoma if it is larger than 20cm.

When should I see a doctor about a birthmark?

Pigmented birthmarks also can pose an increased skin cancer risk. A doctor should check any changes that occur in the color, size, or texture of a nevus or other skin lesion. See a doctor right away if there is any pain, bleeding, itching, inflammation, or ulceration of a congenital nevus or other skin lesion.

Is it normal for a birthmark to get darker?

These birthmarks form when skin cells produce an excess of melanin, which is the body's natural pigment. Café-au-lait birthmarks generally don't fade and may get bigger or darker over time. Most are harmless.

Ask an Expert: Should You Be Worried about Your Child's Birthmark?

How do I know if my birthmark is cancerous?

What does a brown birthmark mean?

The occurrence of birthmarks may be inherited. Some marks may be similar to marks on other family members, but most are not. Red birthmarks are caused by an overgrowth of blood vessels. Blue or brown birthmarks are caused by pigment cells (melanocytes).

What type of birthmark do I have?

There are two main types of birthmarks, which have different causes: Vascular birthmarks happen when blood vessels don't form correctly. Either there are too many of them or they're wider than usual. Pigmented birthmarks are caused by an overgrowth of the cells that create pigment (color) in skin.

What is a vascular birthmark?

A vascular birthmark is a mark on the skin caused by blood vessels that didn't form the right way. Some types of vascular birthmarks include port wine stains, macular stains, and hemangiomas.

Do red birthmarks go away?

Nevus simplex birthmarks usually will go away on their own by the time your baby is a toddler. Do not be alarmed if the birthmark gets darker when your baby becomes more emotional or active—this is normal. Most nevus simples are totally harmless and do not need treatment.

What does Stage 1 melanoma look like?

Stage IA Melanoma: The melanoma tumor is less than 1.0 millimeter thick (less than the size of a sharpened pencil point) with or without ulceration (broken skin) when viewed under the microscope. Stage IB Melanoma: The melanoma tumor is more than 1.0 millimeter and less than 2.0 millimeters thick without ulceration.

Can a birthmark look like melanoma?

Although most birthmarks carry a low risk of developing into skin cancer (particularly the common port wine stains and strawberry marks), a rare type, called a giant congenital melanocytic naevus, can develop into a melanoma. Birthmarks, freckles and moles can all harbour skin cancer.

What does early stage melanoma look like?

What to look for: Usually, the most obvious warning signs of early stage melanoma are changes to your moles or spots: in size, shape, colour or in how they look or how they feel. Melanoma can also appear as a new mole (more commonly in people aged 50 years or more)².

What is the difference between a mole and a birth mark?

Moles are growths on the skin that are usually brown or black; they may be located, alone or in groups, anywhere on the body. A birthmark is a colored mark that appears soon after a baby's birth.

What does having a birthmark mean?

Throughout history, birthmarks were feared by superstitious, paranoid, and religious fanatics. But in the present day, many believe birthmarks are lucky omens with special meanings indicating reincarnation, life purpose, or destiny.

Do birthmarks grow in adulthood?

While many of these congenital birthmarks will disappear within a few years of age, about ten percent of these birthmarks will need to be seen by a specialist. Some birthmarks appear as people grow older.

Can birthmarks cause health problems?

Most birthmarks are harmless and don't require removal. Some birthmarks may cause unease because of their appearance. Other types of birthmarks, such as hemangiomas or moles, may lead to an increased risk for certain medical conditions, such as skin cancer.

What do vascular birthmarks look like?

These birthmarks are present at birth, are flat, and appear pink, purple or reddish in color. They vary in size and can appear anywhere on the body. They are thought to be associated with a deficiency in the nerve supply to the blood vessels. They are more superficial and can be treated with laser therapy.

What happens if your birthmark bleeds?

Usually birthmarks are only a concern for your appearance. But certain types can increase your risk of skin cancer. If your birthmark bleeds, hurts, itches, or becomes infected, call your health care provider.

Where is the most common place to have a birthmark?

They are thin, flat, light pink or red areas of coloured skin that occur most frequently on the back of the neck (stork bites) and on a baby's upper eyelids, upper lip, or between the eyebrows (angel kisses).

What is a birthmark caused by?

Some birthmarks form when blood vessels do not form properly. This can cause your baby to have one of the following birthmarks: Strawberry hemangioma. Deep hemangioma.

Is everyone born with a birthmark?

Birthmarks are an area of pigmented or raised skin that can be present at birth or appear shortly afterward. There are many different types of birthmarks, and most of them are harmless. While birthmarks are common, not everyone has them.

Why do neurologists ask about birthmarks?

One of the main things that we need to screen for with birthmarks is something called neurocutaneous disorders: “Neuro” for brain and “cutaneous” for skin, meaning that sometimes when birthmarks are present, they may indicate a greater syndrome that could involve the brain.

Are birthmarks permanent?

Most birthmarks are permanent, but a few types fade as a child grows. Birthmarks are common and usually harmless. But some may require treatment for cosmetic reasons or because of rapid growth. Still others may be a sign of an underlying disease.