Birthmarks are areas of discolored and/or raised skin that are present at birth or within a few weeks of birth. Birthmarks are made up of abnormal pigment cells or blood vessels. Although the cause of birthmarks is not known, most of them are harmless and do not require treatment. Vascular birthmarks happen when blood vessels don't form correctly. Either there are too many of them or they're wider than usual. Pigmented birthmarks are caused by an overgrowth of the cells that create pigment (color) in skin.

Birthmarks are quite common. In fact, it's estimated that more than 10 percent of babies have some sort of birthmark. Some types of birthmarks appear more frequently than others. For example, vascular birthmarks like hemangiomas occur in 5 to 10 percent of newborns. Most birthmarks are permanent, but a few types fade as a child grows. Birthmarks are common and usually harmless. But some may require treatment for cosmetic reasons or because of rapid growth. Still others may be a sign of an underlying disease.

You may notice the birthmark changes color, becoming slightly yellow or orange. The surface can feel pebbly or warty. Where it usually develops on the body: This birthmark usually appears on the scalp or face. Occasionally, it develops on the neck or another area of the body. Throughout history, birthmarks were feared by superstitious, paranoid, and religious fanatics. But in the present day, many believe birthmarks are lucky omens with special meanings indicating reincarnation, life purpose, or destiny.

Stork bites, sometimes also called a salmon patch or angel's kiss, are common newborn birthmarks typically marked by a red or pink color and smooth, flat texture. Around 80 percent of babies are born with nevus simplex, though they're significantly more likely to affect white babies compared to babies with darker skin. Port wine stain birthmarks are the rarest (less than 1 percent of people are born with them) and occur because the capillaries in the skin are wider than they should be. Dr. Kos says these birthmarks do not go away, and in fact, gradually, over the years, they usually darken and thicken.

Most patients decide to go forward with birthmark removal for one of three reasons: The birthmark interferes with normal activity; The birthmark bleeds or displays other distressing symptoms; The birthmark makes the patient feel uncomfortable or self-conscious with his or her appearance. Usually birthmarks are only a concern for your appearance. But certain types can increase your risk of skin cancer. If your birthmark bleeds, hurts, itches, or becomes infected, call your health care provider.

Some people have birthmarks due to their genes. For example, a child may have the same type of birthmark as a father, mother, grandparent, aunt, or uncle. In some cases, the birthmark appears in the exact same spot as the relative!

Read this related blogs : Baby Skincare Tips And Products To Use , Why You Should Not Let Other People Kiss Your Baby, Crusty, Flaky Patches On Your Baby's Skin: Eczema - How To Get Rid Of It