A birthmark is a blemish on the skin formed before birth. They are part of the group of skin lesions known as "naevi". They are not hereditary. They are soft raised swellings on the skin, often with a bright red surface, and some may look a bit like a strawberry. They are also known as "strawberry naevi" or as "infantile haemangiomas". They appear after birth, usually in the first month, and can occur anywhere on the skin. They are more of a problem when they affect the face. The cause of birthmarks is not fully understood.

Provide support and information to anyone who has a birthmark, and to support not only the person with the birthmark, but the whole family. Ensure a better understanding amongst the medical profession about types of birthmarks, possible complications and treatment, not only of the birthmark but of the whole person. To aid research into the cause of birthmarks (so far unknown) and possible cures. To raise general awareness and acceptance.

There are different kinds of vascular birthmarks. Sometimes, the birthmark must be watched for several weeks or months before the specific type can be identified. The most common types of vascular birthmarks are macular (flat) stains, hemangiomas, and port wine stains. There are also some very rare types of vascular birthmarks.

Macular Stains.

Birthmarks come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, and they can show up anywhere on the body. Some birthmarks are referred to as nevi ("nevus" is the singular). The most common varieties are:"Stork bites," "angel kisses," salmon patches, and vascular stains: Blotchy pink or purple flat marks that are formed by dilated capillaries near the surface of the skin. This is the most common type of birthmark, with up to 70 percent of babies having one or more.

Birthmarks are markings on your baby's skin that may be permanent or fade away over time. They are also known as congenital naevi; congenital because they are apparent at or shortly after birth and naevi is the medical term for any marks or moles on the skin.

Most birthmarks are harmless but very large moles need to be checked and about one in five haemangiomas will need to be removed to prevent problems as they grow.

Very large moles, known as giant pigmented naevi, are more likely than small moles to become cancerous over time. Your doctor may want to keep a careful check on a mole so that action can be taken straight away if it looks like the mole is changing in size, shape or colour.

What is the treatment for red birthmarks?

Many capillary birthmarks such as salmon patches and strawberry hemangiomas are temporary and require no treatment. For permanent lesions, concealing cosmetics such as Covermark might be helpful. Cortisone (oral or injected) can reduce the size of a hemangioma that is growing rapidly and obstructing vision or vital structures. Permanent red birthmarks might be treated with methods including: Cryotherapy (freezing), Laser surgery, Surgical removal.