Birthmarks: What They Are And Why They Happen

However, though the exact cause behind birthmarks is still not known, scientifically, birthmarks are believed to be a result of an overgrown blood vessels or pigmented (color) cells.

Types of Birthmarks
Broadly, birthmarks can be differentiated into two categories on the basis of their causes:

• Vascular (blood vessel) birthmarks: These are caused by an over abundance or tangling of blood vessels. Vascular birthmarks can be further classified into Macular stains, Hemangiomas and Port-wine stains.

• Pigmented birthmarks: Commonly referred to as ‘light tan spots’, these are caused by an overgrowth of the cells that create pigment in skin. Pigmented birthmarks can take forms of Café-au-lait spots, Mongolian spots or Moles.

When to Call the doctor:

While mostly harmless, birthmarks seldom require any monitoring or treatment. However, watch out for these warning signs:

• Birthmarks located on the lower spine.

• Sudden and rapid change in the size, color or texture of the birthmark.

• Appearance of satellite lesions : These are small lesions that appear away from the main site of the birthmark.

• Any change like scaling, erosions, ulcerations and indurations within the mark.

• Any notching and irregularity of the borders and edges of the mark.

• If the birthmark ever bleeds, hurts, itches, or becomes infected.