Birthmarks: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Birthmarks?
A dermatologist (a skin doctor) examines and treats birthmarks. A pediatrician (a children's doctor) or primary care doctor often spots them first and refers you to a dermatologist. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are birthmarks?
Birthmarks are abnormalities of the skin that are present when a baby is born. Some appear shortly after birth. They are marks that look different from the skin around them. They can be flat or raised, tiny or large, and come in many colors.
There are two main types. Vascular birthmarks are made up of blood vessels that have not formed correctly. They are usually red. Hemangiomas and port-wine stains are two types. Pigmented birthmarks are made of a cluster of pigment cells, the cells that give skin its color. They can be tan, brown, gray, black, or even blue. Moles can be birthmarks too.
Between 3 and 10 percent of babies are born with a hemangioma. Most birthmarks are harmless, and some fade or go away on their own.
Symptoms
A birthmark is a mark on the skin, not an illness. What you see depends on the type:
- Salmon patches: flat pink or red patches that fade with time. They are most noticeable when a baby cries or gets too warm.
- Hemangiomas (strawberry marks): raised red marks that can grow quickly in the first months, then often fade without treatment.
- Port-wine stains: flat marks that will not go away with time. They can grow and thicken.
- Cafe-au-lait spots, moles, and other pigmented marks: these usually do not fade.
Most birthmarks are only a concern for appearance. But certain types can increase the risk of skin cancer. A birthmark that hurts, itches, or becomes infected needs a doctor's attention.
Causes and who gets it
No one knows what causes many types of birthmarks. Some run in families. Vascular birthmarks form when blood vessels in the skin do not develop correctly. Pigmented birthmarks form when pigment cells gather in one spot. Birthmarks are common in newborns.
How doctors diagnose it
Most of the time, a dermatologist only needs to look closely at the birthmark. The doctor may use a Wood's lamp, a special light that shows parts of the skin that cannot be seen with the naked eye. The exam does not hurt.
If a child has many birthmarks, more testing may be recommended. For example, many cafe-au-lait spots can be a sign of neurofibromatosis, a disease that causes tumors on the nerves. To rule that out, the child may need an X-ray or CT scan.
Treatment
Most birthmarks can be left alone. But treatment may help if a birthmark could cause a problem later. A dermatologist may recommend treatment for a hemangioma near the eye, mouth, or nose, a port-wine stain, or a large or visible mark that affects a child's self-esteem.
Treatment options include:
- Watching the mark carefully and treating it only if needed. This can work well for a strawberry hemangioma.
- Propranolol, a medicine that can prevent a hemangioma from growing or shrink one that is growing. It is approved to treat this type of birthmark.
- Timolol, a liquid medicine applied to the skin that can also shrink a growing hemangioma.
- Corticosteroids, which may be given as pills or injected to shrink a hemangioma.
- Laser therapy, an option for a port-wine stain. Early treatment tends to work better.
- Surgery to remove a birthmark, for example a mole that could become skin cancer, or a large raised mark.
- Makeup to cover discolored skin.
Medicines like propranolol are prescription drugs and need a doctor's supervision during treatment.
When to see a doctor
Have a dermatologist examine a birthmark as soon as you notice it. Call your doctor right away if a birthmark hurts, itches, or becomes infected. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if a birthmark bleeds and the bleeding will not stop. Get care promptly if a hemangioma grows near the eye, mouth, or nose, since treatment can stop it from covering that area.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. For birthmarks, such a doctor can do a first skin exam, answer questions during well-child visits, and refer you to a dermatologist when a mark needs specialist care.
Common questions
Are birthmarks dangerous?
Most birthmarks are not serious, and some go away on their own. Usually they are only a concern for appearance. But certain types can increase the risk of skin cancer, so a doctor should check any birthmark.
Will my baby's birthmark go away?
Some birthmarks, such as a salmon patch or hemangioma, often fade on their own. Others, such as a mole, tend to remain on the skin for life. A dermatologist can tell you which type your child has.
Do birthmarks mean something is wrong inside the body?
Sometimes. Some birthmarks are a sign that something is going on inside the body. For example, many cafe-au-lait spots can be a sign of neurofibromatosis, a disease that causes tumors on the nerves. This is why a doctor should examine the mark.
Can birthmarks be removed?
Yes, some can. Surgery can cut out a birthmark, and laser therapy can treat marks such as port-wine stains. Treatment is usually done for medical reasons or when a mark affects a child's appearance.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Birthmark | Mole | Hemangioma | Mongolian Spot
- American Academy of Dermatology - Birthmarks: Overview
- American Academy of Dermatology - Birthmarks: Diagnosis and treatment
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
