Everything You’ve Ever Wondered About Birthmarks in Babies

Although it is called birthmark, most of the spots that can appear even after weeks on the body and face of some babies disappear in the future. What about those who are at risk? Will the birthmark go away? Are all the rashes on babies’ faces birthmarks?

What causes birthmarks in babies?

Birthmarks are different. Their colors, sizes, distributions are not the same and the reason for many of them is unknown. But don’t worry, most babies go away on their own when they’re older. “How do birthmarks occur in babies?” For the answer to the question, we can show aggregation or excessive growth in the veins.

How do birthmarks in babies go?

Some birthmarks in babies go away on their own, some with medication and laser treatment. By examining the types of birthmarks, you can learn which ones need treatment and which ones will go away on their own.

What are the types of birthmarks?

Pigmented moles (Congenital pigmented nevi)

• They can occur due to congenital reasons or subsequently with UV rays.
• They can be tan to blue, light brown to black, and hairy.
• Smaller ones are more common. The larger ones are called giant nevi (giant moles). These are the furry ones.
• Large moles can be malignant. That’s why it should be followed very closely. If bleeding, rapid growth, crusting and color change occur, you should definitely take your baby to the doctor.

Cafe au lait (coffee with milk) stains

• Its name is a light brown or brown birthmark on it.
• The edges are clear, they have a homogeneous appearance.
• They are protruding.
• They are permanent.
• They are spots on the face and skin that can appear anywhere on the body.
• These are the types that generally do not require birthmark treatment in babies.
• If your baby has more than 6 coffee with milk stains, take him to the doctor. Because they can be the harbinger of some syndromic diseases.

Stork bite spot (Nevus simplex)

• Also known as salmon spot or angel kiss.
• They are reddish and pink spots on the nape, above and below the area where the hair follicles start.
• Sometimes it can also appear on the eyelids, forehead and upper lip.
• It occurs when capillaries collect near the skin.
• Spots on the forehead, on the eyelids, on the face between the eyes, 95% of the time, usually go away on their own (usually within two years of birth). But in situations such as crying, straining or straining, they become more pronounced as blood flow to the head increases.
• Salmon spots on the neck may not disappear.
• They are harmless spots that do not need any treatment.

Strawberry-colored hemangioma (Rose spots)

• Rose spot in babies; It is soft, protruding, strawberry in color.
• It can be as small as a freckle, or as large as a coaster.
• It is caused by the overgrowth of blood vessels in the upper layer of the skin.
• They generally do not appear at birth, first appearing as small pale spots with a red center.
• They grow in the first few months, usually disappear on their own by school age. As the spots enlarge, they turn into a pearly gray color.
• One in 10 babies has a strawberry-colored hemangioma. So a common type of birthmark.
• Large patches of rose can cover a large part of the face or body.
• Sometimes they prevent feeding, respiration and vision because they put pressure on the areas where they are located.
• Some rapidly growing types may require laser therapy or medication. It’s best to wait for the rose stains to go away on their own. As long as the scars do not grow and do not affect functions such as vision, it is necessary not to intervene. Otherwise, some complications may occur.

Let’s share the treatment methods that the doctor will recommend for skin spots, but surgical intervention for strawberry hemangioma is done in very rare cases.

• Compression and massage,
• use of steroids,
• Operation,
• X-rays or laser therapy
• Cryotherapy (freezing with dry ice).

Mongolian spot (Blue gray spot)

• They are large flat spots ranging from blue to light gray, sometimes mistaken for bruises.
• It is more common in brunette babies.
• It may disappear in the future and does not require treatment.

Port wine stain (Nevus flammeus)

• Initially, its color is pink. It is a permanent birthmark that turns burgundy or purple as the child grows.
• They are body spots that are usually seen on the face and neck. But it can affect other areas as well. It is caused by enlarged blood vessels.
• The surface of the affected skin may thicken. It can take a raised and dimpled appearance.
• They can be covered with waterproof cosmetic creams and laser treatment can be applied when the age of 12 is reached.
• Very rarely, the lesions are associated with overgrowth of underlying soft tissue and bone. When they appear on the face, they cause an abnormality in brain development. Yes, it’s very rare, but if your baby has a port wine stain, it’s a good idea to go to the doctor for peace of mind.

Kavernöz hemanjiyom

• Less common than strawberry hemangiomas. It occurs in only 1 or 2 out of 100 babies.
• It is generally seen with the strawberry type. They become deeper, harder and more widespread.
• The red spots on the body, which are blue or blue, are not protruding at first. It grows rapidly in the first 6 months, the growth rate slows down in the next month. It starts to shrink in 12-18 months.
• At 5 years of age, 50% disappear, at 7 years of age 70%, at nine years 90%, at 10-12 years 95%.
• Sometimes they may bruise and bleed. In such a case, you need to stay away from the blow. If you have bleeding, you should definitely go to the doctor. Cavernous hemangiomas can also occur in internal organs. If it is understood that they cause pressure according to their location, cortisone, radiation or surgery may be required for treatment.

Are there any herbal solutions for birthmarks?

There are claims that the clay, red rose and honey mask is the herbal method to remove birthmarks, but as you can see, birthmarks are diverse. Some need to be treated, some go away on their own. You should consult your doctor before applying any cream or herbal mixture for birthmarks on your baby’s skin and face.

How is laser treatment for birthmark done?

Laser spot treatment can be done for many types of birthmarks. Different laser types are preferred depending on whether the birthmarks are of vascular origin or melanocyte origin. Such treatments are rarely used in infants; because a lot of it goes away when they grow up. It is generally necessary to wait until the age of 18 or close to 18 for the laser treatment of permanent birthmarks.