Was your baby born with a special brand? Discover the different types of birthmarks on the skin.
The vast majority of babies have some form of birthmark, which is actually harmless as long as there are no malformations. These marks usually disappear as they grow, but knowing them is important to rule out any other skin problems.
There are basically two types: vascular and pigmented. The former are caused by the growth of blood vessels under the skin; its color varies between pink, red and bluish, which will depend on the depth of the vessels.
The pigmented, usually brown, gray, blue or dark, arise due to abnormal development of pigment cells.
Small birthmarks can come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and they can manifest anywhere on the body. The most commons are:
1. Pink spots: name they take due to their color, are the most common and can appear on the ( ? Stork mark “ ) or on the eyelids and their surroundings ( ? Angel kiss? ).
2. Polka dots or nevi: they can be tan, brown or black; flat or protruding; and may contain hair. They are the most common and mostly congenital, but large or giant ones are more likely to develop into skin cancer.
3. Stains? Coffee with milk?: They have a light color, with very well marked limits and the size is variable, but almost always they have an oval shape. They are located anywhere on the skin. It is believed, although not so, that they arise from not satisfying cravings in pregnancy.
4. Mongolian stain: they are bluish-gray spots that occupy the lower area of the back most of the time, although they can also be found on the rest of the back, head or any area.
5. ‘Port wine’ stain: it is a deep red stain, reminiscent of wine, and flat that appears above all on the face.
6. Hemangiomas. They are raised or bulky vascular spots. By its shape, they resemble a strawberry. They are more frequent on the face and upper limbs. Girls are more likely to introduce them.
What kind of birthmark does your baby have?