Symptoms of Birthmarks

If you or your child experiences any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to birthmarks. These symptoms may be caused by other health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician.

Symptoms include:

Changes in the color of the skin (lighter or darker than usual)
Lumps or swelling on the skin
Changes in texture of the skin
New lesions on the skin
Birthmarks:

May differ in size and appearance
Are most likely present at birth or appear in the first few weeks or months of life
Are commonly found on face and neck
Most of these birthmarks, though cosmetically undesirable, are generally harmless. However, hemangiomas and port-wine stains may produce some complications:

Hemangiomas

Open sore or ulcer
Interference with the appearance or function of nearby structures (eg, eye or mouth)
Excessive bleeding after an injury
Sudden and rapid growth
Port-wine Stains

Emotional and social complications
Interference with the function of nearby structures (eg, eye)
Growth problems
Easy bleeding
On rare occasions, moles can become cancerous. Any suspicious pigmented lesion should be examined by a physician and either closely observed or removed.