Birthmarks

Birthmarks are extremely common. They occur in one form or another in at least 3 out of every 1000 births and are more common in girls than boys. There are many different types of birthmark. True birthmarks can be seen on the child’s skin at birth while others develop a little later, usually within the first four weeks after birth.

The cause of birthmarks is not known. Mothers should not worry that they occur because of anything they did or did not do during pregnancy. Current research is beginning to suggest that they might be hereditary but a definite genetic link has not yet been discovered.

Medically, birthmarks are termed Vascular Birthmarks as they consist of abnormal blood vessels. These Vascular Birthmarks are divided into two main groups and it is essential that the correct diagnosis is made, so that the proper procedures for treatment can be followed.

Hemangiomas

The first group is hemangiomas. These are non-cancerous tumours which are visible, often when the child is born, as red or blue raised patches on the skin Generally they are found on the head or neck but can be sited anywhere, including on internal organs.

They are formed probably during the later weeks of pregnancy from a collection of very small, mal-formed blood vessels. Very occasionally they might be located on internal organs, which requires careful medical attention

Hemangiomas in some form or another, are present in about one in five babies. They grow with the child during the first year of life and possibly change in appearance during this time. After this they gradually fade, taking anything from 3 to 10 years to vanish completely. The most common form of hemangioma is the Strawberry Mark although this not strictly a birthmark as it appears, usually, during the first four weeks of life. Another form is the Cavernous hemangioma which is purple/blue in colour because the blood vessels which cause it are sited much deeper in the skin. This is less common.

Vascular Birthmarks >>