Birthmark: Symptoms & Signs

Medically Reviewed on 10/27/2021

A birthmark is a persistently visible mark on the skin that is evident at a baby's birth or shortly thereafter. Birthmarks often represent a nevus (mole) or in the case of pink or red birthmarks, a capillary hemangioma. There are also other types of birthmarks.

Signs and symptoms of a birthmark include skin markings that may be flat or raised and are usually brown, tan, pink, purple, blue-gray, or red in color. Birthmarks are not painful and are typically not associated with itching or irritation. A birthmark is usually evident at birth or appears shortly after birth.

Causes of Birthmarks

The cause of a birthmark is related to the type of birthmark because some can be related to inherited conditions. For other types, the cause is not understood.

Other birthmark symptoms and signs

  • Skin Markings That Are Flat or Raised
  • Skin Markings That Are Typically Brown, Tan, Pink, Purple, Blue-Gray, or Red

IMAGES

Eczema Browse our medical image collection of allergic skin disorders such as psoriasis and dermatitis and more caused by allergies See Images

Subscribe to MedicineNet's Skin Care & Conditions Newsletter

By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.

References
Jameson, J. Larry, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20th Ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education, 2018.