Kinds of Birthmarks
Birthmarks get their name because most birthmarks are obvious soon after a baby is born. While some birthmarks go away or fade as the person ages, other birthmarks become thicker, darker or bigger. There are various kinds of birthmarks.
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Salmon Patches
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The most common kind of birthmark is the salmon patch, a flat, thin birthmark sometimes called an angel kiss or a stork bite. These light pink or red birthmarks usually form on the upper eyelids, the back of the neck, between the eyebrows and above the upper lip.
Port-Wine Stains
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Port-wine stains are pinkish-red at birth but turn a dark reddish-purple shade within several years. These birthmarks range in size from very small to covering a large region of the body.
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Hemangiomas
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Hemangiomas are raised purple, red or blue birthmarks. These birthmarks can grow on the skin or deeper in the body.
Mongolian Spots
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Mongolian spots are smooth blue-gray or blue birthmarks most commonly seen on Asian, Pacific Island, African or Hispanic babies. These birthmarks typically appear on the buttocks and the lower back.
Cafe-Au-Lait Spots
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Cafe-au-lait birthmarks are usually smooth oval spots that range from light brown to chocolate brown in color. These birthmarks are typically on the legs, buttocks and torso.
Causes
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A majority of birthmarks are caused by extra pigment in the skin. Port-wine stains and hemangiomas are clumps of blood vessels that didn't grow normally.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Creative Commons photo by Wikimedia
