Birthmarks on Face Meaning, Causes, Red, Port Wine & How to Get Rid of Birthmarks on Face

Birthmarks tend to be common in newborns. They come in different sizes and colors. Their causes also differ. This leads to different classification of the birthmarks. In this post, we help you differentiate birth marks by presenting the different types of birthmarks on babies. This is even made clearer by showing you some pictures.

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Different Types of Birthmarks

Although birthmarks are quite varied in their characteristics, they all fall under one of two main categories. This is determined by the main cause of the mark. The two categories also have different types of birth marks within which carry along distinguishing characteristics. These are as discussed below.

Vascular Birthmarks

These are often red, purple or blue in color. Those that are found deep in the skin are normally blue while the red and purple ones are found on the surface. Vascular birth marks are caused by abnormalities in blood vessels found under or in the skin. The blood vessels fail to conduct their role in blood supply effectively causing a constant oversupply of blood which stains the skin. At other times, the capillaries clutter to form a birthmark. They usually occur in the neck, head and mostly on the face. A number of birthmarks fall under this category. Some of these include: Salmon Patches: These are also known as stork marks. They

appear as pink or red flat patches on the neck, forehead and on baby’s eyelids. These are the most common form of vascular birthmarks found in babies. While those found on the forehead may take up to four years before fading away, most of those on other parts will disappear a few months after birth. The patches tend to be most visible when the baby is crying. Infantile hemangioma: Also known as strawberry birthmarks, this type of vascular birthmark is normally raised above the surface of the skin. They tend to be red or purple in color. If they are deeply rooted, they could also appear to be blue in color. Hemangioma is most common in girls and could affect babies even after birth. A child born without this type of mark may develop it after birth. Within the first few months, their increase in size is rapid. They then start shrinking and eventually disappear by the time a child is around the seven years old. Port wine stain: These birthmarks begin as pink and darken with time. Unless gotten rid of, they are permanent and grow in size with the same proportion as the baby. This is unlike strawberry birth marks which disappear with time. The surface of the skin on which they are formed tends to be thick and irregular as opposed to the normal smoothness. Like the name suggests, the general appearance of the birthmark looks like some wine was poured on the skin. They mostly form on the face, legs and the neck. It is worth noting that these marks are sensitive to hormonal changes and that they are more visible during pregnancy, puberty and menopause.

Pigmented Birthmarks

These are usually skin marks that are brown or tan colored. They are as a result of formation of clusters of pigment cells. Some of these include: Café-au-lait spots: These normally take an oval shape. Their name is derived from the fact that they have a color similar to the light brown found in milky coffee. A child could be born with café-au-lait birthmarks or they could develop after birth. These do not fade with time and are therefore permanent. Mongolian spots: These look like bruises and are blue or grey. They are common in people with dark skin color. They mostly form on the lower back and the buttocks. This type of birthmarks could last for months or years as well. By the time a child is four years old they should be gone. Due to the fact that they look like bruises, it is important to profile the child’s situation with the authority so that the spots may not to be mistaken for child abuse. Congenital melanocytic naevi: These are commonly referred to as moles. They are large in size and present at the birth of a child. In light skinned people, they tend to be brown in color while in dark colored people they are black.

Types of Birthmarks on Babies

There are different types of birthmarks on babies. A Salmon patch which is also known as a stork mark is usually a flat pink or red patch found on a baby’s forehead, eyelids or neck. The patches are most visible when a baby is agitated. Salmon patches fade within a few months with the exception of those on the forehead. These normally take up to four years to disappear. Strawberry birthmarks are another type of birthmarks found in children. They are red or purple in color and tend to be found on the surface of the skin. For the first six months, strawberry marks undergo a massive increase in size. They then will start shrinking in a way that will see them disappear by the time a child is seven years. Port wine stain birthmarks occur on one side of the body and are usually found on the back, the chest and the face of a baby. When kids reach puberty, port wine stain birthmarks are likely to be more visible as they are sensitive to hormonal changes. Moles are another type of birthmarks on babies. They are usually large and form some lumps on the surface of the skin. It is important that the different types of birthmarks on babies are treated as early enough as possible. This is because options such as laser treatments are most effective at this age.,

Types of Birthmarks on Face

Vascular birthmarks are the most common on the face. These include port wine stain, strawberry marks and salmon patch birthmarks. When a baby cries, the salmon patch becomes more visible. This kind of birthmark is often referred to as an angel kiss. Port wine birthmarks may be present on the eyelids. If this happens, they will need to be treated or monitored closely to ensure no damage is caused to the eyesight. Strawberry marks tend to grow very fast in the first months. If left untreated, the skin around it may stretch and become deformed.