Birth Marks – TYPES
Portwine stain
This is a blood vessel abnormality affecting up to 0.5% of the population. It looks like a pink patch at birth and will not go away. Instead as one grows older the birthmark will steadily darken and becomes larger. By midlife, many of those afflicted with the condition may suffer cosmetic disfigurement, which can occur on any part of the body. If the birthmark becomes too large or thick it may bleed.
Strawberry haemangiomas
These are overgrown or enlarged blood vessels which unlike portwine stain grow very rapidly after birth but often fade away with time. Such birthmark usually resolves by 5-6 years of age. Some haemangioma may occur near the mouth or eyes and may interfere with eating or vision and should be treated early before complications set in. (Sometimes the haemangioma may bleed or become infected). You should consult your doctor if the haemangioma enlarges rapidly or bleeds profusely. Urgent treatment may be necessary.
Spider veins
Like strawberry haemangiomas, spider veins are overgrown or enlarged blood vessels on the skin. They contain a central large blood vessel with tiny vessels radiating from the centre, hence the name. They usually do not cause problems except that they look unsightly. Spider veins may sometime be associated with an underlying chronic liver disorder. You should consult your doctor for investigations.