Evaluation and care for birthmarks and other patches of pigmented skin.
Red birthmarks form from blood vessels that cluster or malform beneath the skin's surface. Common types include macular stains ("stork bites" or "angel kisses"), which usually fade on their own, and port-wine stains, which are permanent and tend to darken and thicken with age without treatment.
An overgrowth or malformation of small blood vessels beneath the skin during development.
Red birthmarks cannot be prevented.
Many fade without treatment; port-wine stains are typically treated with pulsed dye laser therapy, ideally starting early for the best results.
Myth: All red birthmarks fade away on their own. Fact: While stork bites usually do, port-wine stains are permanent without treatment and can thicken over time.
To determine which type of red birthmark your child has, and whether early laser treatment is recommended.