Birthmarks: Symptoms

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Symptoms

There are no symptoms of birthmarks. They simply are colored marks on the skin. One kind of birthmark can look very different from another kind of birthmark. Birthmarks can:

• Be flat or raised.
• Have regular or irregular borders.
• Be many different colors, including brown, tan, black, pale blue, blue-gray, pink, red, or purple.
• Be smooth or lumpy.
• Be thin lines of color or solid color.
• Be only on the surface of the skin or extend into the tissues under the skin.
• Grow quickly, remain the same size, shrink, or disappear over time.

All birthmarks need to be checked by a health professional. Most do not need treatment. Certain changes in a birthmark or certain types of birthmarks may need to be watched closely and/or treated. See a health professional if a birthmark:

• Bleeds.
• Develops an open sore (ulcer).
• Becomes infected.
• Interferes with normal functioning or vision.
• Grows suddenly or becomes painful.

Last updated:	April 18, 2007
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC