Birthmarks in babies can be caused by a variety of things. There are causes of birthmarks in babies that are harmless, but there are also causes that are dangerous and need to be treated immediately.
The formation of birthmarks in babies is thought to be caused by genetic factors inherited from parents. Some birthmarks arise due to vascular abnormalities, while others arise due to the accumulation of pigment or dye in the skin.
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Broadly speaking, birthmarks are divided into two forms, namely vascular birthmarks and pigmented birthmarks, each of which has a different type:
Vascular birthmark
These birthmarks are caused by abnormal growth of blood vessels under the skin. The raised patches are usually purple, pink, red, or blue. Vascular birthmarks are further divided into several types, including:
Strawberry patches (hemangiomas)
Hemangiomas are birthmarks in the form of red, raised, strawberry-like patches on the skin. However, the patches can also be blue or purple in color. About 5% of babies have this sign after birth. Usually, the patches will enlarge in the first 6 months, then disappear before the child is 7 years old.
Angel kiss (angel's kisses)
This sign is also known as salmon patches because the shape of the spots resembles salmon which is pink or red. These marks tend to appear on the eyelids or back of the neck, which generally disappear completely without any treatment.
Wine stain
Wine stains are usually marked by reddish-pink patches at birth, which then turn purplish-red. Wine stains can occur anywhere on the body, but are often found on the face and neck.
Pigmented birthmark
The cause of this birthmark is the presence of groups of skin cells with excess pigment. The patches that appear are usually brown. Pigmented birthmarks are generally divided into 3 types, namely:
Mole
Mole or congenital melanocytic naevi brown or black can be seen since the baby is born. These moles vary in size and can occur in any area of the body. Over time, these marks may shrink or fade, but they can also persist into adulthood.
- Coffee stains (cafe au lait)Birthmarks that are coffee-milk in color usually fade or shrink as the child grows. However, there are also those whose colors are darker due to exposure to sunlight. About 20–50 percent of newborns may have 1 or 2 of these birthmarks.
- Spots MongoliaBlue-gray birthmarks that look like bruises are very common in Asian babies, including Indonesians. These patches are usually seen on the buttocks or lower back area. Mongolian patches can last for months or years, but usually fade when the child is 4–6 years old.
Are Birthmarks Dangerous?
Most birthmarks are harmless and do not require any treatment. Although rare, there are also birthmarks that can endanger health and need to be treated by a doctor. The following are signs of birthmarks that require medical attention:
- Strawberry patches on the face that enlarge to affect the eye, mouth or nose area and cause vision and breathing problems
- Wine stains where the spots are near the eyes and cheeks, because they are often associated with visual problems, such as glaucoma
- Coffee stains that are more than six spots, as they are usually a sign of neurofibromatosis
- Birthmarks that appear on the lower spine, because they may develop under the skin and irritate the nerves and blood vessels leading to the spine
In addition to having an impact on physical health, there are some birthmarks that can affect a child's psychological condition, for example a mole that is very large or appears on the face.
Handling that can be done to treat birthmarks can be in the form of taking drugs or medical actions, such as lasers or surgery.
If indeed you find birthmarks on your child with characteristics that must be watched out for or will interfere with his psychological condition when he grows up, you should consult a doctor to get the appropriate treatment.