Birthmarks 101: What’s Normal, What to Watch

Birthmarks are very common in babies and children. Most are harmless and part of normal skin development, but some should be watched more closely. Knowing what to look for can help you feel reassured and recognize when it’s worth checking your birthmark with a Florida doctor.

One common birthmark is called a café-au-lait spot, which means “coffee with milk” in French. These are light brown, flat patches on the skin that can appear at birth or in early childhood. Having one or two is very normal and not a cause for concern. However, if a child has many of these spots (usually six or more), especially if they are larger, a doctor may want to evaluate for certain genetic conditions. Most children with a few spots are completely healthy.

Another common type is an infantile hemangioma, often called a “strawberry mark.” These are made of extra blood vessels and usually appear a few weeks after birth. They may grow quickly at first, which can be alarming, but most will slowly shrink and fade over time without treatment. You should contact your doctor if the hemangioma is growing very rapidly, starts to bleed or form a sore, or is located near important areas like the eyes, nose, or mouth. In some cases, medication such as Propranolol can help shrink it safely.

Congenital nevi are moles that are present at birth. They can be small or large and may be light or dark in color. Most are harmless and simply grow as your child grows. Larger moles may need to be checked regularly by a dermatologist because they have a slightly higher chance of developing into skin cancer later in life. Watch for changes such as uneven color, irregular borders, rapid growth, or bleeding.

In general, it’s a good idea to have any birthmark checked if it changes in appearance, becomes painful, bleeds, or affects your child’s ability to see, breathe, or eat. Most birthmarks are nothing to worry about—but when in doubt, it’s always okay to ask.

Interested in learning more about birthmarks? We treat patients across Florida—from Naples to Marco Island and nearby communities—at Skin Wellness Physicians. Call us at (239) 732-0044 or contact us to schedule a consultation.