Birthmarks--identification and management

Abstract

Background: Birthmarks are common in newborns, and their presence can cause much anxiety in new parents.

Objective: This article provides an update on common birthmarks and identifies those complex subtypes that may indicate potentially important associations or outcomes.

Discussion: Birthmarks encompass a range of lesions presenting at birth or soon after. They can be divided into vascular, epidermal, pigmented and other subtypes. This article focuses on common birthmarks to help identify patients requiring specific intervention and explores recent developments in management. A minority of higher risk birthmarks have complications or systemic associations that need identification and further management. Birthmarks are common, and in most cases parents can be reassured they are only of cosmetic significance and that the appearance will improve over time.