Birthmarks Directory
A birthmark is a colored mark on or under the skin. There are many kinds of birthmarks, including salmon patches, café-au-lait spots, hemangiomas, and more. They can be any size or shape and can be different colors. Some birthmarks are smooth, and some are raised. Nearly all birthmarks are harmless and painless. But it’s important to have a doctor check all birthmarks, just to be sure they are okay. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about birthmarks, what they look like, how to treat them, and much more.
Medical Reference
Birthmarks and Other Skin Pigmentation Problems
WebMD explains types of birthmarks and other common skin pigmentation disorders, including symptoms and procedures to correct them.
Resources and Support for Skin Conditions
WebMD provides a list of resources if you are looking for information on various skin conditions.
Red Birthmarks, Hemangiomas, and Your Skin
Learn about hemangiomas, red birthmarks, and treatments for them.
Overview of Pigmented Birthmarks
WebMD explains the two main types of birthmarks that are either present at birth or appear shortly after birth. Learn more.
Video
Slideshows & Images
See Pictures of Birthmarks
Some types of birthmarks are very common and others need special attention. View these pictures of birthmarks and see if the port wine stain, strawberry hemangioma, salmon patches, and others look familiar.
Picture of Port Wine Stain
This image of a port wine stain shows a unilateral vascular malformation made up of capillary ectasias that may be present throughout the dermis and that gradually increase with age.
Picture of Salmon Patches
Salmon patches (also called stork bites) appear on 30%-50% of newborn babies. These marks are small blood vessels (capillaries) that are visible through the skin.
Picture of Congenital Melanocytosis
Congenital melanocytosis, previously known as Mongolian spots, is a very common condition in any part of the body of dark-skinned babies. The spots are flat, gray-blue in color (almost looking like a bruise), and can be small or large.