Birthmarks

The term birthmark is given for a reason - it refers to the marks present on the skin of many newborn babies. A baby can develop a birthmark either before they are born (inside the womb) or after birth. Figures show that more females have birthmarks than males.

By definition, birthmarks are benign (non-cancerous) skin growths composed of rapidly growing or poorly formed blood or lymph vessels. Normally they can be discovered at birth (congenital) but they can also develop later in life (acquired) anywhere on the body and can range from faint spots to dark patches or swellings covering large areas.

Massive cheek hemangioma - Before and After treatment

It is not completely known why blood vessels grow too much in one particular area of the body although there are many "old wives tales" regarding the cause of birthmarks. One such tale is the popular belief that stress or traumatic emotional experiences during pregnancy can contribute to birthmarks being formed. Another is that if a pregnant woman is craving for a particular food and she touches an area of her body at the time of craving, then a birthmark will form there. Birthmarks are not inherited nor are they caused by anything that happens to the mother during pregnancy.

Discovering a birthmark on a newborn baby can be unsettling for any parent. And while this discolouration might look unflattering, they are usually harmless and most will disappear in time. For those severe cases where the birthmark is quite large and on an area of the body that is noticeable, then medical treatment may be necessary if the birthmark does not go away over time. This type of cosmetic laser surgery however, is normally delayed until a child is a little older.

Blood vessel birthmarks are very common, with as many as ten percent of babies being born with such blemishes. "Stork Bites" are small, faint, red stains that normally appear on the nape of the neck and are the most frequent type. "Angel Kisses" is the name given to similar marks that appear on a baby's forehead, eyelids, nose and upper lip and is the most common type of vascular birthmark. With both types of birthmarks, the blemishes will lighten considerably or fade altogether.

A "Hemangioma" or "Strawberry Mark" is also common and typically appears on the face and body. And if you think it's called a strawberry because it resembles one, you are absolutely right! Red, soft and slightly raised in appearance, these marks differ from "Stork Bites" and "Angel Kisses" in the fact that they are growths as opposed to stains and can be superficial or deep under the skin.

The term "hemangioma" is used to describe many different kinds of blood vessel growths. These birthmarks occur five times more often in females than in males and have a twenty six percent chance of developing in premature babies.

Hemangiomas rapidly spread and grow deeper during the first six weeks after birth, then slow right down before the age of one. For a high percentage of children, the mark often disappears by the time they reach the age of seven. Most never get bigger than two or three inches in diameter but some may be larger. In the case that a hemangioma is situated close to the eyes or nose areas and is a threat to the vision or breathing of a child, then the growth is swiftly removed.

Most hemangiomas don't require treatment, but in the case that a birthmark of this nature does need treatment, then there are several options available. The most widely used treatment for rapidly growing hemangiomas is corticosteroid medication, which is either injected or given by mouth. Long-term or repeated treatment may be necessary. Lasers can also be used to both prevent growth of and remove hemangiomas.

"Cavernous" is another type of hemangioma and is blue and red in colour and is found deep beneath the outer layer of skin. Puffier in texture than the "strawberry", these marks sometimes go away. Most parents feel helpless and find it difficult to watch a hemangioma grow or wait for it to disappear.

A "Port-wine" stain is an area of skin that is level with the outer layer of skin and is maroon or dark red in colour. These most often appear on the areas of the face and neck and occur in 3% of births equally among males and females. These particular birthmarks can scar a person both emotionally and socially, especially when birthmarks appear noticeably on the face. "Port-wine" stains on the forehead, eyelids or both sides of the face can be associated with glaucoma. If increased pressure within the eye if left untreated, it can result in blindness.

In treating these types of birthmarks, cover-up makeup has been a common way of touching up "Port-wine" stains. As per the treatment for hemangiomas, laser surgery is also utilised in the treatment of these birthmarks.

As with all forms of treatment, there are associated risks and these need to be thoroughly discussed with a medical practitioner before any treatment is undertaken.


- Annemarie Failla