Birthmark On Face: Types, Causes and Treatment

WBirthmark on the face or any part of the baby’s body is a marking that is observed on a baby’s skin right at birth or afterward. These birthmarks come in the form of different shapes, colours, and sizes. These discoloration markings can be seen on the baby’s skin at birth or after birth. Birthmarks can be flat and looked into by a dermatologist.

What Is a Birthmark?

A birthmark is a congenital irregularity on the skin that is present at birth or appears shortly after birth, typically within the first month. These marks can be flat or raised, with regular or irregular borders, and vary in color from brown, tan, black, or pale blue to pink, red, or purple.

7 Types of Birthmarks on the Face

There are majorly two types of birthmarks on the face. We have the vascular and the pigmented birthmarks.

1. Birthmark on Face: Vascular Birthmark

This can be defined as the excessive growth of blood vessels. Which can be caused by different factors like hormones, gene mutations, and environmental contact. When excessive growth takes place, it forms a dark or discoloration on the skin known as a birthmark. The types of vascular birthmarks that can be seen on the face are pot-wine stains, Hemangioma, and salmon patches.

2. Birthmark on Face: Port Wine Stains

This is a type of vascular birthmark that is caused by an overgrowth of blood vessels. This is a type of vascular birthmark that is mostly seen on the face, neck, and arms. This birthmark is caused by an overgrowth of blood vessels. They mostly appear as flat and hardly fade away and vary in color like red or purple spots. Port-wine stains can occur anywhere on the body.

People with this birthmark primarily make use of concealer, that is makeup to cover it up or go for laser therapy. In rare cases, they can be associated with other medical conditions, such as Sturge-Weber syndrome.

3. Birthmark on Face: Hemangioma

This is a type of vascular birthmark that is caused by overgrowth of blood vessels. Mostly found on the face, head, neck, scalp, and head. It varies in colored skin, red and purple. The two types of hemangioma are superficial and deep hemangioma. Superficial hemangioma is found on the utmost layer of the skin while deep hemangioma is found inside the skin.

4. Birthmark on Face: Salmon Patches

This is a kind of vascular birthmark which are common in newborns. It appears in 30% – 50% and either fades away or persists into adulthood. Salmon patches are commonly seen on the face and neck. Salmon patches vary in colour like red and light pink. These patches are otherwise called stork bites, angel kisses, or macular stains.

5. Birthmark on Face: Pigmented Birthmark

We can define pigmented birthmark as the excessive production of melanin called melanocytes or pigment cells. It appears to be black, blue, or brown. Melanin gives color and aids protection against the Sun’s harmful UV rays. Birthmarks spring up as a result of abnormal and damaged growth of the pigment cells. An example of a pigmented birthmark is café-au-lait, Mongolian spots, and moles.

6. Birthmark on Face: Café au Lait Spots

This is a type of pigmented birthmark caused by excessive production of melanin. This birthmark is also called Café au lait macules. This birthmark is seen on the buttocks, shoulder, and back of the body. The colour varies from light brown or tan colour depending on the skin type.

7. Birthmark on Face: Moles

This is a type of pigmented birthmark which are small, black, or brown spots caused as a result of environmental exposure and genetic production of melanin that changes in shape, size, and color. A change that You should critically check any change that grows in shape, size, and colour by a dermatologist, to prevent a skin cancer called melanoma. Moles can be flat or raised with a rough or smooth appearance.

8. Mongolian Spots

This is a type of pigmented birthmark that is flat and blue-grey. We can see Mongolian spots at the back of the body and buttocks. Babies with dark skin mostly have this. Congenital dermal melanocytotic is another name for Mongolian spots.

Causes of Birthmark On Face

Thou there are lot of superstitions about birthmarks on the face, body. Doctors do not know the major reason for birthmarks. Scientists still haven’t fully understood the beliefs and myths that could lead to birthmarks. Medically, people have proven these beliefs and myths to be wrong. Birthmarks are common in children and medical reports show that 10% of babies are born with hemangioma birthmarks.

A group of melanin (pigment) causes pigmented birthmarks. Vascular birthmarks Irregularity in the skin’s blood vessels causes vascular birthmarks and they are in different colours like purple, red, and pink.

What are the complications of birthmarks?

Complications associated with birthmarks can include:

Psychological Effects: Large or prominent birthmarks, especially on the face, can impact self-esteem and cause emotional distress.
Physical Health Risks: In rare cases, certain birthmarks like hemangiomas can lead to open sores, ulcers, bleeding, and infections. They may also interfere with feeding, breathing, or cause blockages in areas like the ear canal.
Skin Cancer Risk: Some pigmented birthmarks, like moles (congenital nevi), can undergo adverse changes and become malignant, potentially leading to skin cancer.
Vision and Neurological Issues: Birthmarks near the eye, such as port wine stains, can be associated with glaucoma or impair visual capacity. Hemangiomas in specific locations may lead to neurological disorders like Sturge-Weber syndrome or spinal cord abnormalities

Treatment for Birthmark on Face

When you see a birthmark on a baby’s face, consult a dermatologist. A dermatologist helps to give more insight, examine, and talk more about the baby’s birthmark. Some birthmarks clear off over time and some stay permanently to cause a problem later. So, consult a dermatologist when you notice a birthmark on your skin to commence treatment if needed.

Dermatologists can suggest any of these after examining individuals:

Laser treatment
Cryotherapy
Use of concealer (makeup)
Surgery: Surgical removal may be recommended for birthmarks that could become skin cancer or large raised birthmarks that do not fade on their own.
Laser therapy: An option for port-wine stains that do not fade with time.
Propranolol: Effective in preventing hemangiomas from growing and shrinking them.
Corticosteroids: Used to shrink hemangiomas, either through pills or injections.
Watchful waiting: Monitoring the birthmark for changes and treating only if necessary.
Medication: In some cases, medications like beta-blockers or corticosteroids may be prescribed

How to Prevent Birthmark During Pregnancy

Doctors have yet to discover the major causes of birthmarks and how to prevent them in pregnancy. We can’t figure out birthmarks on babies except when they are born. You either see the birthmark immediately or it grows afterward.

A dermatologist can take care of it, but there is no prevention during pregnancy. So, medically when a child is born, make sure to consult a dermatologist to know if it’s harmless/temporary or the one that will be harmful afterward.

Final Thoughts

Birthmarks can be alarming especially birthmarks on the face and child’s body. Some are harmless and fade away while some stay permanently. Please consult a dermatologist to be sure of which one it is. You can correct and manage birthmarks If you quickly look into them and work on them,

FAQS on Birthmark on Face

Do birthmarks on the face go away?

In most cases, birthmarks on the face do not go away on their own. They may fade slightly over time but typically remain throughout a person’s life. However, there are medical treatments such as laser therapy or surgery that can help reduce or remove the appearance of certain types of birthmarks. We recommend consulting with a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon for personalized advice and treatment options.

When should I worry about Birthmarks?

You should generally only worry about birthmarks if they undergo changes in size, shape, color, or texture, or if they begin to bleed, itch, or become painful. Otherwise, most birthmarks are harmless and do not require medical attention. If you notice any concerning changes, it’s best to consult a dermatologist for evaluation.

What are royal birthmarks?

Royal birthmarks are a fictional and superstitious concept often found in literature and folklore, suggesting that members of royal families have unique birthmarks that signify their royal lineage or destiny. In stories, authors typically portray royal birthmarks as distinct and often imbue them with mystical or magical properties, using them as a plot device to mark characters as special or destined for greatness.