Birthmarks

Birthmarks are relatively common. Those that are pigmented generally do not go away. Those due to blood vessels usually fade as the child grows.

Salmon patches (“angel kisses”) are light pink birthmarks that may appear on the upper lip, eyelids, forehead, and back of the neck. They usually fade within a few months.

Strawberry birthmarks are soft, red lumps formed by clusters of blood vessels. They may be present at birth or appear during the first few months. They may grow for up to 6 months, stabilize for a short time, and then usually begin to recede and fade. Sixty percent are gone by age 5; nearly all disappear by age 9. No treatment is necessary unless they continue to grow.

Port-wine stains are light pink or wine coloured birthmarks that appear most often on the head and face. They are permanent, become darker as the child grows, and may need to be treated by a dermatologist to stop them from expanding.

Report any changes in birthmarks to your health professional. Birth-marks need to be removed if they interfere with breathing or vision, or if they disfigure the face. If surgery is desired for cosmetic reasons, it is best to talk with your health professional about the best timing for surgery.