During pregnancy, many parents have a preconceived idea of what their baby will look like after birth. However, there is a multitude of factors that may impact things like head shape, skin color, and texture. One of the main reasons for these differences in appearance is the presence of newborn birthmarks. There are a variety of types of newborn birthmarks with their own unique attributes that distinguish them from others. Below you will find information on three common newborn birthmarks and how they may affect a baby’s appearance.
Strawberry Hemangioma
A hemangioma is the result of tiny immature blood vessels concentrated near the skin’s surface. They may or may not appear at birth and frequently develop in the first two months after birth. Strawberry Hemangioma mostly occurs on the head and tend to grow in size for several months before gradually fading. Premature babies and girls are more likely to have this type of birthmark. Fortunately, nearly all strawberry hemangiomas completely disappear by nine years of age.
Stork Bites
Nervus Simplex, or a Stork Bite, is characterized by small pink or red patches typically found on the eyelids, between the eyes, upper lip, and back of the neck of newborns. The name is based on the myth that storks deliver babies to expectant parents. The marks themselves being from where the stork picked up the baby. Much like Strawberry Hemangiomas, Stork Bites are caused by a concentration of immature blood vessels. Another significant difference between the two is that Stork Bites are typically most visible when the baby is crying or tired. Stork Bites are not usually permanent but rather fade and disappear altogether.
Port Wine Stain
A port wine stain is a flat, pink, red, or purple colored birthmark caused by dilated blood vessels and usually occurs on the head or neck. Port wine stains do not change color when gently pressed and won’t disappear over time. As a result, your may need to cover up the birthmark with an appropriate tone of facial makeup when they get older. Port wine stains on the face may be associated with more severe problems, and the most efficient way of treating them requires a particular type of specialized laser.