Baby Birthmarks
The short answer
Birthmarks are extremely common -- more than 80% of babies have at least one. Most birthmarks are completely harmless and many fade or disappear on their own over time. The type, location, and any changes over time help your pediatrician determine whether any follow-up is needed.
By Age
What to expect by age
Many birthmarks are visible at birth or appear in the first few weeks. Salmon patches (also called stork bites or angel kisses) are flat pink-red marks on the eyelids, forehead, or back of the neck and are the most common birthmark. Mongolian spots are flat, blue-grey patches, usually on the lower back and buttocks, most common in babies with darker skin tones. Both types are completely harmless.
Infantile hemangiomas (strawberry marks) typically appear in the first few weeks and grow rapidly during months 1-3. They are raised, bright red, and can be alarming as they get bigger, but the vast majority are harmless and will shrink on their own. If a hemangioma is near the eye, nose, mouth, or in the diaper area, your pediatrician may recommend early treatment to prevent complications.
Hemangiomas usually reach their maximum size by around 5-6 months and then begin to slowly flatten and fade, a process called involution. Mongolian spots remain stable and typically begin fading in the toddler years. Port wine stains, which are flat, pink to dark red marks, do not fade on their own and may darken over time; they should be monitored by your pediatrician.
Most hemangiomas are well into their shrinking phase by this age, with about 50% significantly resolved by age 5 and 90% by age 9. Salmon patches on the eyelids and forehead usually fade by age 2, though those on the back of the neck may persist into adulthood. Mongolian spots continue to fade gradually.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Flat pink or red patches on the eyelids, forehead, or back of the neck (salmon patches or stork bites)
- Flat blue-grey patches on the lower back or buttocks (Mongolian spots)
- A small hemangioma (strawberry mark) that is growing in the first few months but is not near the eyes, nose, or mouth
- Small, flat, light-brown spots (cafe-au-lait spots) -- one or two are very common
- Any birthmark that your pediatrician has examined and is monitoring at well visits
- A hemangioma is near the eye, nose, mouth, lip, or diaper area where it could cause functional problems
- A hemangioma is growing very rapidly or is larger than a few centimeters
- You notice more than 5-6 cafe-au-lait spots, as this number can occasionally be associated with a genetic condition
- A birthmark is ulcerating, bleeding, or seems painful
- A hemangioma near the eye is affecting your baby's ability to open the eye, which could impact vision development
- A large hemangioma is bleeding heavily and you cannot stop it with gentle pressure after 10 minutes
- A birthmark changes dramatically in appearance, becomes tender, or your baby seems unwell
Sources
Related Resources
Related Skin Concerns
Baby Acne (Neonatal Acne)
Baby acne is a very common, harmless condition that appears as small red or white bumps on your newborn's face, usually around 2-4 weeks of age. It is caused by maternal hormones still circulating in your baby's system and clears up on its own within a few weeks to months without any treatment.
Baby Blister on Lip from Nursing
A nursing blister (also called a suck callus) is a small, painless blister or thickened patch on your baby's upper lip caused by the friction of latching during breastfeeding or bottle feeding. It is completely harmless, does not hurt your baby, and does not need any treatment. These are very common in newborns and typically come and go in the early weeks.
Baby Chin Rash from Drooling
Drool rash is extremely common and appears as red, irritated, or slightly bumpy skin on the chin, cheeks, neck, and chest where drool sits. It is caused by the constant moisture and digestive enzymes in saliva irritating the skin. Keeping the area dry and applying a barrier like petroleum jelly before drool exposure is the most effective treatment.
Baby Dry Patches on Cheeks
Dry patches on your baby's cheeks are very common, especially during cold or dry weather. Baby skin is much thinner and more sensitive than adult skin and loses moisture easily. In most cases, regular application of a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer is all that is needed. If patches are red, rough, or itchy, mild eczema may be the cause.
Baby Ingrown Toenail
Ingrown toenails are fairly common in babies and toddlers, especially on the big toe. Baby toenails are soft and can easily curve into the surrounding skin. Most mild cases improve with warm soaks and gentle care. If the toe becomes very red, swollen, or shows signs of infection, your pediatrician can help with treatment.
Baby Nail Peeling or Splitting
Peeling or splitting nails in babies are very common and usually harmless. Baby nails are extremely thin and soft, making them prone to peeling, especially from normal wear and moisture exposure. This typically improves as your child grows and their nails become stronger. Keep nails trimmed short and moisturize the nail area gently.