Since our grandparents’ time, some traditions have been maintained, with stories and myths passed down from generation to generation. And one of the myths still preserved today is about birthmarks and why they appear. That’s why we’re going to delve deeper into the subject and discover the reasons why some children are born with markings on their bodies.

Who hasn’t heard the phrase, “pregnant women with cravings, have babies born with spots”? These spots, which can appear anywhere on the body and in various colors, shapes, and sizes, are called birthmarks1. They can be brown, black, bluish, white, red, purple, or pink, which determines whether it is a pigmented or vascular mark. The real reason for the appearance of birthmarks is unknown, but it is known that vascular birthmarks occur due to a large accumulation of blood vessels on the skin’s surface2. As for pigmented marks, which are darker in color, they result from inadequate development of the cells responsible for pigmentation.

Birthmarks are not something parents should be concerned about. In the vast majority of cases, they tend to disappear as the child grows, especially red marks and spots that appear on the baby’s face. However, as with everything, there are exceptions and it is recommended that the pediatrician examine the mark. Some may be signs of health issues that have not yet been discovered and can help with diagnosis. For example, port-wine stains near the eye area can be linked to vision problems and seizures. Another example is groups of small or large beige spots, which may indicate the presence of a genetic disease called neurofibromatosis3, which causes learning difficulties.

Other birthmarks that can cause future problems are large moles. Not all cases, but there is an association in some patients born with these moles that later become cancerous over the years. Spots located on the back area of the baby or child should also be evaluated by a pediatrician, as they can affect the spine.

Strange Birthmarks – Is There Treatment?

Some children are born with birthmarks that are almost imperceptible. In many cases, only parents and close family members know about the mark because it is hidden in a private area of the body. But there are those who, unfortunately, are not so lucky and are born with very prominent marks in very visible places, causing curiosity and especially embarrassment during adolescence and adulthood. Dark spots right in the middle of the face, with funny shapes like maps, fruits, or animals. Enough for the child to become the target of jokes at school age and end up withdrawing because of embarrassment—obviously, if they don’t know how to handle the situation calmly, which is very difficult for children.

There are cases where the marks are so unusual that comparisons with fictional characters are inevitable, like marks that spread across the body with dark hair resembling an animal, or a very red spot right on the tip of the nose like a clown’s nose. But is there treatment? Is there any way to resolve this situation and spare the child from embarrassment throughout their life? And the answer is yes! Nowadays it is possible to perform procedures and treatments to remove, lighten, and fade birthmarks and other marks that cause so much embarrassment for children. In the past, children born with these marks had no option but to face the situation and grow up with the birthmark. Thanks to medical advances, it is now possible to resolve the issue before the child is even aware of it. The procedures for removing these birthmarks are:

    • Removal by Surgical Excision – Indicated for marks on the face, this procedure is performed by a dermatologist who will shave off the mark or, if the mark is deeper, remove it by excision. The birthmark almost completely disappears, leaving only a removal scar, and in some cases, stitches are needed.
    • Removal by Cryosurgery – The method is performed through freezing, applying a quantity of liquid nitrogen directly to the mark. The nitrogen is intended to destroy the cells of the birthmark. The procedure usually does not leave scars, but when it does, they are almost unnoticeable.
    • Removal by Laser Surgery – In this procedure, a laser is used to destroy the cells of the spot, resulting in a small blister that disappears after a few days. For effective results, a few sessions may be necessary, but the upside is it leaves no marks or scarring.
    • Removal using acid – This method is not recommended for babies and children, as the substance is very strong and can present risks. The use of salicylic acid is prescribed by a dermatologist and can be used in lotion, liquid, gel, or cream form. It should only be used under specialist recommendation and is indicated for lightening birthmarks.

As with everything in life, there are home remedies and folk recipes believed to solve the situation. Garlic paste on the spot, apple juice, pineapple juice, or mashed coriander leaves are some old-time remedies supposed to lighten birthmarks. However, none of these methods are medically proven, so if you need guidance, consult a pediatrician or a dermatology specialist, who will recommend the best treatment and solution for your child.

See also: Down Syndrome – What it is, Types, and How to Cope

Photos: towardsthesunset, Taylor Kabrick