The second group is Vascular Malformations. These usually do not become visible until about four weeks after birth but they are nevertheless present, in an invisible state, at birth. Vascular Malformations, which are also non-cancerous, grow slowly, some of them throughout life.

The two most usually encountered types in this group are “Stork Bites” otherwise known as “Salmon Patches” and “Port Wine Stains”. Congenital Moles and Freckles also fall within this group. These are usually present at birth.

Stork Bites or Salmon Patches

Stork Bites or Salmon Patches, which are present at birth, are small, pale-red patches, frequently sited on the eyelids, the bridge of the nose, the upper lip or the back of the neck. They occur in 30% to 50% of babies.

Generally speaking, “Stork Bites” are fairly unnoticeable, but assume a more visible, bright red aspect when the child cries. They tend to fade gradually during babyhood, although those sited on the back of the neck persist much longer, and often remain throughout adulthood. No treatment is necessary.

Port wine stains

“Port Wine Stains”, also quite common forms of birth mark, are present at birth. Appearing as flat, pink, deep red or purple marks, they are generally found on one side of the face. Wherever they occur on the body and however extensive they are, they generally remain on just one side of the body and do not spread to the other side.

Port Wine Stains are formed because the small blood vessels in the areas of the skin where they are located are unable to constrict. This is due to a failure of the nerves in the locality. This means that the blood vessels in the area of the birthmark remain constantly dilated resulting in a permanent dark red or purple mark. “Port Wine Stains”, always present at birth, are permanent. They occur in about 3 in 1,000 births and have a tendency to affect females more frequently than males. They afflict all races. It is unlikely that they are inherited.

Port wine stains can thicken

Starting off flat and mainly pink in babies, “Port Wine Stains” can become unsightly, causing great embarrassment to sufferers if they occur in a conspicuous place. This is partly because the Port Wine Stain thickens and becomes raised, patchily, as the patient grows older. The raised patches tend to bleed readily if scratched. They can easily become infected. Without treatment the Port Wine Stains never disappear and grow larger as the body grows

If Port Wine Stains occur near the eye there is an increased risk of Glaucoma, a condition where the pressure behind the eye is so high that it causes damage to the optic nerve and gradual loss of sight.

Very rarely those with a Port Wine Stain in this area might develop fits but doctors treating the condition will be aware of this and investigate further if it is thought to be necessary. Very rarely indeed, if a large Port Wine Stain occurs on a limb, it might result in excessive growth in that limb

Various treatments are available to make Port Wine Stains less obvious although it is doubtful if they ever disappear completely.

Strawberry Birthmarks >>