Types Of Birthmarks

A birthmark is an unusual or abnormal mark that appears on the skin of an individual at the time of birth. Some birthmarks lose themselves in the abyss of time, while some somehow manage to linger on and don’t really go anywhere. In other words, some birthmarks are temporary, while the rest are as good as permanent. Sadly, however, why exactly birthmarks occur on the skins of people is not really known. Scientific predictions, however, revolve around the beliefs that birthmarks are caused due to the developments of skin abnormalities. Birthmarks are called so, because they almost always occur during the time of birth. Some birthmarks, however, can appear on the skin of a person during the early stages of childhood! If you have always been yearning to know more about birthmarks, the opportunity to do so has now arrived. Make your move and read on to gain access to guided information on the various types of birthmarks.

Different Kinds Of Birthmarks

Café-Au-Lait Spots
These birthmarks, arguably, make for the most common birthmarks and can occur almost anywhere on a person’s body at birth. Café-au-lait spots are light and resemble the color of coffee. These birthmarks can show up on the skin of a person at birth or even appear during the early stages of childhood. Café-au-lait spots are as common as they are, because almost everyone gets at least one or two of them during birth. Interestingly, café-au-lait spots are permanent and almost never disappear!

Salmon Patches
Salmon patches are reddish-pink marks that occur on the skin of a person at the time of birth. Salmon patches are called so because they almost always occur in patches and resemble salmon. These birthmarks are faint and almost always make their presence felt on the skin of a person at birth. Salmon patches, more often than not, appear on the back of a person’s neck, and sometimes even between the eyes or on the eyelids. These birthmarks, unlike café-au-lait spots, usually fade away within a year or so of their occurrence. Salmon patches are also known as ‘angel kisses’ and ‘stork bites’!

Silvermarks
Contrary to popular belief, all birthmarks are not really unwanted, and silvermarks just happen to be one such birthmark. These birthmarks have been proven to be hereditary and almost always occur in the front portion of the hairline. Silvermarks are not shunned upon, because they are believed to be a blessing in disguise. Silvermarks are also known as ‘witch’s streak’ and enjoy the distinction of being the most popular birthmarks.

Congenital Pigmented Nevi
‘Congenital pigmented nevi’ occur on the skin in the form of hairy moles. These moles usually occur in light brown tones and black tones. However, in terms of size, these birthmarks can be a cause of concern. At times, they can be small, and at times they can be excessively large. When congenital pigmented nevi occur over large areas, they become causes for worry. If you just happen to have abnormally large congenital pigmented nevi, make sure you go in for a checkup with a health care specialist.

Slate Gray Nevus
A ‘slate gray nevus’, previously known as a ‘Mongolian blue spot’, is a bluish-gray birthmark that makes its presence felt on the lower back and the buttocks. These birthmarks are not too common amongst fair skinned children. However, slate gray nevus marks or Mongolian blue spots are extremely common in dark-skinned children, especially children who hail from the continents of Asia and Africa!

Port Wine Stains
Port wine stains are called so because when they first appear on the skin of a person, they are pale pink in color. However, with the passing of time, these birthmarks can turn into a color that resembles the color of thick red wine, and hence the name. It is a known fact that these birthmarks affect only around 0.3 % of the entire world’s population. It is also a known fact that port wine stains appear on the skin of a person due to a deficiency of nerve supply to blood vessels.