A birthmark is a mark on the skin that is present at birth or appears shortly after birth. Birthmarks can be a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors and can appear anywhere on the body. There are two main types of birthmarks: vascular birthmarks and pigmented birthmarks.
Vascular birthmarks are caused by abnormal blood vessels in the skin and are typically red, pink, or purple in color. They may be flat or raised and can vary in size. Examples of vascular birthmarks include hemangiomas and port wine stains.
Pigmented birthmarks are caused by an excess of pigment cells in the skin and are typically brown, black, or tan in color. They may be flat or raised and can vary in size. Examples of pigmented birthmarks include moles and café au lait spots. Most birthmarks are benign and do not require treatment. However, some birthmarks may be associated with underlying medical conditions and may need to be monitored or treated by a healthcare provider.