Birthmarks are coloured areas of skin that are present at birth or appear soon afterwards. Most are harmless, and some fade as a child grows. Their colour and appearance vary with skin tone. A healthcare professional should assess a mark that is unusual, changing or affecting an important part of the body.
Common types
- Salmon patches, also called stork marks, are flat pink or red areas that often fade in early childhood
- Infantile haemangiomas are raised vascular marks that grow during the first months of life and then usually shrink gradually
- Port-wine stains are flat red, purple or dark vascular marks that usually persist
- Café-au-lait spots are flat light or dark brown patches
- Blue-grey birthmarks commonly appear on the lower back or buttocks and often fade during childhood
- Congenital melanocytic naevi are moles present at birth
When assessment is important
Ask a healthcare professional to check a birthmark near the eye, nose or mouth, or one that interferes with vision, breathing, feeding or movement. A rapidly growing haemangioma, a large congenital mole, or six or more café-au-lait spots should also be assessed.
Seek advice if a mark becomes painful, bleeds without injury, develops a sore that does not heal, or changes in size, colour, texture or shape. Blue-grey birthmarks can resemble bruises and should be documented in a baby’s medical record.
Treatment
Most birthmarks need no treatment. Treatment may be considered when a mark affects health, function or wellbeing. Depending on the type, options can include medicine for a haemangioma, laser treatment, surgery or regular monitoring. The benefits and possible scarring or other side effects should be discussed with a specialist.
Sources
Reviewed: 28 August 2026