Birthmarks

Symptoms

There are no symptoms of birthmarks. They simply are coloured 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 colours, including brown, tan, black, pale blue, blue-grey, pink, red, or purple.
• Be smooth or lumpy.
• Be thin lines of colour or solid colour.
• 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.

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Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW Carrie Henley	Last Updated: June 26, 2007
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
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