Birthmarks, medically termed 'naevus', are colored marks found on or under a newborn baby's skin. The mark can occur in different colors, including blue or blue-gray, brown, tan, black, pink, white, red and purple, varying in size and shape. The marks can either be smooth and flat or raised from the surface of the skin. Some of the birthmarks may fade away after the child reaches a certain age, while others may tend to grow in size, as he/she becomes older. Though harmless in nature, people still want to know what causes birth marks and look for ways to get rid of them. Check out the information about the causes of birthmarks as well their common types, in the following lines.
Causes Of Birthmarks
- The underlying causes of birthmarks have still not been proven by science. However, many medical experts think that birthmarks are inherited from parents, grandparents or other family members.
- Many doctors suggest that an over-growth of fine blood vessels is one of the main causes of the appearance of birthmarks.
- According to some doctors, the overgrowth of pigment cells, called melanocytes, is a prime reason for the formation of birthmarks.
Common Types Of Birthmarks
- Port Wine Stain: Port wine stain is one of the most common types of birthmarks, affecting thousands of newborns. The stain is generally red or purple in color. Port wine differs in size and shape. It can appear on face, back or chest. Categorized under permanent birthmarks, the stains may grow in size with the increasing age of the child. It may even lead to an uneven surface on the affected area.
- Mongolian Blue Spots: Mongolian blue spots appear on the buttock or lower back region of the baby, as blue or black marks. Children of African, Chinese or Japanese origin are generally found to be born with this type of birthmark. It is said that Mongolian blue spots fade away by the time the child reaches five years of age.
- Stock Marks: Arising from the tiniest blood vessels, stock marks usually appear on the back of the neck, middle of the forehead or upper eyelids. Stock marks may vanish away by the time the child is two years old or pale down as he/she reaches adulthood.
- Strawberry Birthmarks: Sounds peculiar though, strawberry birthmarks are quiet common in new born babies. This birthmark is developed by the over-growth of cells, forming a lining of the skin's blood vessels.