Let’s take a look at the common types of birthmarks in infants, as well as their causes, locations, and their impact on the baby’s health.
Mongolian spots
Mongolian spots are the most common type of birthmarks, with up to 80% of Asian infants having them. They mainly appear on the lower back or buttocks of the baby, with a dark gray, bluish-gray, or greenish-blue color.
In fact, Mongolian spots are a type of pigmentation, caused by melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) gathering under the epidermis during their migration from the central nervous system to the epidermis.
Mongolian spots do not affect the baby’s health at all and do not require any treatment.
Typically, Mongolian spots on the buttocks do not cause any harm to the baby. They tend to fade during the child’s development and completely disappear by the age of 5 or 6. However, if the birthmark appears on the face, it may affect the baby’s appearance, and parents should consult a doctor about its removal.
Pigmented birthmarks
Pigmented birthmarks usually have black or brown colors, ranging from dark to light, or even reddish. These birthmarks are usually fainter in newborns and become more pronounced as the baby grows.
Pigmented birthmarks do not have negative health effects, but they also do not fade on their own.
In fact, most pigmented birthmarks do not affect health but cause aesthetic concerns. To remove this type of birthmark, multiple laser interventions are needed over a long period of time. After laser treatment, the birthmark usually fades but may not completely disappear and may have a chance of recurrence.
Salmon patches
Also known as angel’s kisses, salmon patches belong to the category of vascular malformations and are permanent birthmarks present since birth. In newborns, they have a slightly pink to red color, which darkens as the baby grows.
These salmon patches are usually caused by blood vessel issues and can appear in various locations on the body, including the face, back, chest, and legs. Although they do not disappear, most of them are benign and do not affect the baby’s health.
Many people confuse salmon patches with port wine stains or hemangiomas. Port wine stains have a pink or red color and are often found on the hairline at the back of the neck, on the eyelids, or between the eyes. The reason for these patches is the concentration of blood vessels under the skin. Port wine stains may fade as the child grows and do not require any treatment. However, if anything unusual is noticed, a doctor should be consulted.
Things pregnant women should avoid to prevent baby birthmarks
Limit the use of cosmetics: Regular makeup also causes the skin to absorb many chemicals in cosmetics. These could include lead and hormones, which can be harmful to the unborn baby’s health. During pregnancy, it is best to choose skincare products that do not contain hormones or use beauty tips from clean food.
Avoid eating out-of-season fruits to prevent birthmarks: Prolonged use of out-of-season fruits can disrupt hormone levels in the body, directly affecting the synthesis of pigments in the fetus. This increases the likelihood of birthmarks on the baby.
Protect the abdominal area from collisions: Pregnant women who experience collision to the abdomen or fall during pregnancy have a 23.5% higher chance of giving birth to a baby with birthmarks. Therefore, during pregnancy, it is important to protect the abdominal area and avoid falls or collisions.
Avoid stress and mood swings: Pregnant women should maintain a reasonable work schedule and a comfortable mood. Mood swings can affect hormone secretion, which can affect the metabolic processes that increase pigmentation in the baby’s skin. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid anger, stress, sadness, etc. throughout the pregnancy.
Avoid exposure to pollution and chemicals: When a pregnant woman lives in a polluted environment, the developing baby can experience impaired physical and mental development and an increased risk of congenital defects, posing significant health risks to both the mother and the baby.
