Birthmarks in children are usually harmless. Some are present at birth, while others take a few months to show up. Birthmarks can often shrink or even go away on their own. Sometimes, birthmarks can be related to other health conditions.
There are different types of birthmarks. Pigmented (colored) birthmarks, like moles and café-au-lait spots, are caused by an overgrowth of cells. Vascular birthmarks, like hemangiomas and port-wine stains, are caused by blood vessels that don’t form the way they should. Our doctors see thousands of kids with birthmarks. We can tell if treatment is needed.
Learn more about Birthmarks at the Nemours KidsHealth Library