Types of Birthmarks

Birthmarks generally fall into two main categories: vascular and pigmented.

Vascular Birthmarks

These are caused by irregular blood vessels and often appear pink, red, or purple in colour.

• Salmon Patches: Light pink or red flat marks, commonly seen on the forehead, eyelids, or back of the neck. These usually fade on their own within a couple of years.
• Strawberry Hemangiomas: Bright red, raised bumps that may look like a strawberry. They often appear in the first few weeks after birth, grow quickly, and then gradually shrink. Most fade on their own, but larger ones may need treatment.
• Cavernous Hemangiomas: Deeper, red or bluish swellings under the skin. They may grow for a time and then slowly shrink. Treatment may be considered if they cause discomfort or cosmetic concern.
• Port-Wine Stains: Flat, purplish-red patches that tend to be permanent. They may darken or thicken over time and usually require treatment for cosmetic or medical reasons.
• Venous Malformations: Soft, blue or purple marks caused by abnormally formed veins. These can appear as patches or lumps under the skin and may grow as the child grows. Treatment is often recommended if they cause pain or interfere with function.

Pigmented Birthmarks

These result from clusters of pigment-producing cells and range from light brown to black in colour.

• Moles (Congenital Nevi): Skin-toned, brown, or black, flat or raised, and can vary in size. Moles present at birth or within the first two years are called congenital nevi. They may require monitoring over time.
• Café-au-Lait Spots: Light brown patches that can appear at birth or in early childhood. Usually harmless, but if many appear together, it may be worth checking with a doctor.
• Mongolian Spots: Bluish-gray patches, typically seen on the lower back or buttocks. Common in individuals with darker skin and often fade over time.
• Nevus of Ota: Blue or grey patches found around the eyes and cheeks, more common in people with darker skin tones.
• Becker’s Nevus: Tan or brown patch, often on the chest, shoulders, or back, which may darken or become more noticeable during puberty. Sometimes associated with increased hair growth in the area.
• Dermal Melanocytosis (Blue Spots): Similar to Mongolian spots, these appear bluish and are usually located on the lower back or buttocks. They can persist into adulthood.

When to Seek Treatment?

Most birthmarks are harmless and don’t require medical care. However, some may grow, change over time, or affect a person’s appearance and confidence. In these cases, treatment options, such as laser treatments, can help lighten or remove certain types of birthmarks safely and effectively.

At Amaran, we offer personalised consultations and advanced treatments designed to suit your skin concerns. Our goal is to provide safe, effective solutions to help you feel more confident in your skin.

Our Treatment Options Include:

• Laser Toning: A gentle, non-invasive procedure that uses light energy to reduce excess pigmentation, gradually lightening birthmarks and improving overall skin tone.
• Laser Cautery: A precise laser-based technique used to safely remove certain raised or pigmented birthmarks by targeting and treating the affected skin tissue.