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Birthmarks - pigmented
Hairy nevus; Nevi; Mole; Cafe-au-lait spots; Congenital nevus
A birthmark is a skin marking that is present at birth. Birthmarks include cafe-au-lait spots, moles, and Mongolian spots. Birthmarks can be red or other colors.
Birthmarks can be red or other colors.
Red birthmarks are skin markings created by blood vessels close to the skin surface. They develop before or shortly after birth.
Causes
Different types of birthmarks have different causes.
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Cafe-au-lait spots are common at or after birth. Someone who has many of these spots may have a genetic disorder called
neurofibromatosis
.
Neurofibromatosis
Neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1) is an inherited disorder in which nerve tissue tumors (neurofibromas) form in the: Bottom layer of skin (subcutaneous tissu...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Moles are very common -- nearly everyone has them. Most moles appear after birth.
- Mongolian spots are more common in people with darker skin.
Symptoms
Each type of birthmark has its own appearance:
- Cafe-au-lait spots are light tan, the color of coffee with milk.
- Moles are small clusters of colored skin cells.
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Mongolian spots
(also called Mongolian blue spots) are usually bluish or bruised-looking. They often appear over the lower back or buttocks. They are also found on other areas, such as the trunk or arms.
Mongolian spots
Mongolian spots are a kind of birthmark that are flat, blue, or blue-gray. They appear at birth or in the first few weeks of life.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article
Other symptoms of birthmarks are:
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Abnormally dark or light skin
Abnormally dark or light skin
Skin that has turned darker or lighter than normal is usually not a sign of a serious medical condition.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Growth of hair from pigmented skin
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Skin lesion
(area that is different from the skin around it)
Skin lesion
Rashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article -
Skin lumps
Skin lumps
Skin lumps are any abnormal bumps or swellings on the skin.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Textured skin that can be smooth, flat, raised, or wrinkled
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will examine your skin to make the diagnosis. You may have a biopsy to look for skin changes that are signs of cancer. Your provider may take pictures of your birthmark to compare changes over time.
Biopsy
A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.
Treatment
The type of treatment you have depends on the type of birthmark and related conditions. Usually no treatment is needed for the birthmark itself.
Large birthmarks that affect your appearance and self-esteem may be covered with special cosmetics.
You may have surgery to remove moles if they affect your appearance or raise your risk for cancer . Talk to your provider about how and when any of your moles should be removed.
Cancer
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Large moles that are present at birth may become melanoma , a type of skin cancer. This is especially true if the mole covers an area larger than the size of a fist. The cancer risk is related to the size, location, shape, and color of the mole.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is the leading cause of death from skin disease. Melanoma can also involve the colored part o...
Possible Complications
Complications of birthmarks can include:
- Skin cancer
- Emotional distress if the birthmark affects appearance
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Have your provider examine any birthmark. Tell your provider about any changes in the birthmark, such as these:
- Bleeding
- Color change
- Inflammation
- Itching
- Open sore (ulceration)
- Pain
- Size change
- Texture change
Prevention
There is no known way to prevent birthmarks. A person with birthmarks should use a strong sunscreen when outdoors (to prevent complications).
References
Gawkrodger DJ, Ardern-Jones MR. Pigmentation. In: Gawkrodger DJ, Ardern-Jones MR, eds. Dermatology: An Illustrated Colour Text . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 39.
James WD, Berger TG, Elston DM. Disturbances of pigmentation. In: James WD, Berger TG, Elston DM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology . 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 36.
Marks JG, Miller JJ. Pigmented growths. In: Marks JG, Miller JJ, eds. Lookingbill and Marks' Principles of Dermatology . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2013:chap 6.
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Mongolian blue spots - illustration
Mongolian blue spots are flat bluish- to bluish-gray skin markings commonly appearing at birth or shortly thereafter. They appear commonly at the base of the spine, on the buttocks and back and also can appear on the shoulders. Mongolian spots are benign and are not associated with any conditions or illnesses.
Mongolian blue spots
illustration
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Skin layers - illustration
The skin is the largest organ of the body. The skin and its derivatives (hair, nails, sweat and oil glands) make up the integumentary system. One of the main functions of the skin is protection. It protects the body from external factors such as bacteria, chemicals, and temperature. The skin contains secretions that can kill bacteria and the pigment melanin provides a chemical pigment defense against ultraviolet light that can damage skin cells. Another important function of the skin is body temperature regulation. When the skin is exposed to a cold temperature, the blood vessels in the dermis constrict. This allows the blood which is warm, to bypass the skin. The skin then becomes the temperature of the cold it is exposed to. Body heat is conserved since the blood vessels are not diverting heat to the skin anymore. Among its many functions the skin is an incredible organ always protecting the body from external agents.
Skin layers
illustration
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Mongolian blue spots - illustration
Mongolian blue spots are flat bluish- to bluish-gray skin markings commonly appearing at birth or shortly thereafter. They appear commonly at the base of the spine, on the buttocks and back and also can appear on the shoulders. Mongolian spots are benign and are not associated with any conditions or illnesses.
Mongolian blue spots
illustration
-
Skin layers - illustration
The skin is the largest organ of the body. The skin and its derivatives (hair, nails, sweat and oil glands) make up the integumentary system. One of the main functions of the skin is protection. It protects the body from external factors such as bacteria, chemicals, and temperature. The skin contains secretions that can kill bacteria and the pigment melanin provides a chemical pigment defense against ultraviolet light that can damage skin cells. Another important function of the skin is body temperature regulation. When the skin is exposed to a cold temperature, the blood vessels in the dermis constrict. This allows the blood which is warm, to bypass the skin. The skin then becomes the temperature of the cold it is exposed to. Body heat is conserved since the blood vessels are not diverting heat to the skin anymore. Among its many functions the skin is an incredible organ always protecting the body from external agents.
Skin layers
illustration
Review Date: 8/20/2016
Reviewed By: David L. Swanson, MD, Vice Chair of Medical Dermatology, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Medical School, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
