Birthmarks

Are birthmarks in infants and adults safe? Should they be removed? When is it necessary to undergo a diagnosis to prevent complications? Dermatologists at LeoDerm Clinic answer these and other important questions.

Why Do Birthmarks Appear?

What Is a Birthmark? A birthmark is a pigmented area of skin that can be pink, red, brown, or even bluish, varying in shape and size. The characteristics of these marks depend on their underlying cause:

• vascular birthmarks develop due to abnormal blood vessel formation, giving them a pink, red, or purplish color;
• pigmented birthmarks result from an excessive accumulation of melanin in the skin, which is why they appear brown, “café-au-lait,” gray, or blue.

There are two key factors that explain why birthmarks appear:

• genetic predisposition – if one parent has birthmarks, a child may inherit them;
• certain systemic conditions – some medical conditions can contribute to birthmark development.

For some types of pigmentation, regression is common—meaning the birthmark may fade or completely disappear as a child grows, usually between the ages of 5 and 9. In other cases, it is recommended to monitor the birthmark’s condition and consult a dermatologist for regular check-ups.

Types of Birthmarks

Both pigmented and vascular skin birthmarks have a broad classification, differing in appearance, location, and tendency to progress or regress over time.
Common Types of Vascular Birthmarks:

1. Macular (Salmon) Patches – these birthmarks are named for their pinkish color. They are large birthmarks in children, usually located on the head, with undefined borders. A distinctive feature is that they become more intense in color when a baby cries due to increased blood flow. Macular patches are further classified based on location. “Angel’s Kiss” – Found on the forehead, eyelids, upper lip, or nose. “Stork Bite” – Appears on the back of the head or neck. These birthmarks fade naturally with age without requiring treatment or removal.
2. Hemangioma – a raised birthmark that ranges from pink to bright red in color and can be felt by touch. It may grow in size during the first year of life and then gradually shrink until it disappears completely. However, the removal of the growth may be recommended for medical reasons if it negatively affects health, such as interfering with vision, swallowing, or other functions.
3. Port-Wine Stains – a large birthmark on the face with a bright purple or violet color. Its unique feature is that it may be localized only on one side of the body or face. Removal of port-wine stains is usually done for aesthetic reasons, but in some cases, when the stain becomes thickened or affects vision, a doctor may recommend treatment.
4. Mongolian Spots – large birthmarks that are dark blue or dark gray in color, usually located on the lower back, buttocks, legs, or arms. They are completely safe for health but can cause aesthetic discomfort. Mongolian spots are rarely removed as they disappear on their own by the age of 2-3 years.
5. Café au Lait Spots – oval-shaped marks with blurry edges, in a milk-coffee or light brown color. They can appear anywhere on the body or face. These spots are absolutely safe on their own, but the presence of four or more pigmented areas in a child may indicate a nervous system disorder.

There is no point in removing these defects during childhood unless they affect the child’s development. In adolescence and adulthood, removal is usually done upon request.

Are Birthmarks Dangerous?

Most pigmented formations are purely cosmetic defects, but they still require monitoring—at least regular check-ups and protection from injury and UV radiation. Dangerous conditions that require professional diagnosis and treatment (such as removal) may be signaled by the following signs and changes:

• increase in size;
• change in color, appearance of spots, etc;
• inflammation;
• thickening;
• pain;
• itching;
• formation of a dry scab, ulcer, or wound that takes a long time to heal

These signs may indicate the development of dermatological skin conditions and could even be a cause of oncological diseases.

How to Remove a Birthmark?

The gold standard for treating congenital birthmarks is laser removal. At LeoDerm Clinic, the Candela laser is used. This modern device allows for painless and consequence-free removal of the defect in just a few sessions. How does it work? The laser beam heats the blood vessel, coagulating it, which causes the vascular birthmark to lighten and eventually disappear. The effect of removing a pigmented spot is achieved by heating the melanin, which breaks down under these conditions.

Advantages of Laser Treatment:

• no age restrictions, making it suitable for children and teenagers;
• versatility – provides excellent results for defects located on both the body and face;
• non-invasive and painless, with no complications.

Candela laser treatment requires no complex preparation and has a short recovery time.

If pigmented spots concern you as a cosmetic defect, or if you’ve noticed any changes in their condition, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with the dermatologists at LeoDerm Clinic in Lviv for diagnosis and safe removal.