Vascular birthmarks are red, blue, or purple colored vascular (blood vessel) skin markings that are present in the skin. A baby can develop birthmarks before it is born, or birthmarks may appear soon after birth. Vascular birthmarks are made up of many blood vessels grouped together in one place in the skin.

The most common types of vascular birthmarks are:

Macular Stains – These are small, flat blood vessels (capillaries) and the most common type of vascular birthmarks. When they appear on the forehead and eyelids, they are called "angel's kisses." They are also found on the upper lip and between the eyebrows. These stains often fade in time as the infant grows. When they are found on the back of the neck, they are typically referred to as "stork bites," because they are present at birth in the area where the "stork" would carry a baby. Colors can range from light pink to mild red and usually last into adulthood. They aren't harmful and are generally hidden in the hairline.

Hemangiomas – These are benign, protruding growths composed of small blood vessels. They are divided into three types: strawberry hemangioma, cavernous hemangioma, and cherry hemangioma.

Strawberry hemangiomas are bright red and slightly raised with a roughened texture on the skin's surface. These blood vessels are bunched together and resemble a strawberry. They can be found anywhere on the body.

Cavernous hemangiomas are dome-shaped, reside deep beneath the skin and have a bluish-red color. These will turn white, slowly shrink and flatten. Most cavernous hemangiomas disappear by the time the child reaches school age.

Cherry hemangiomas are small, dome-shaped protrusions on the skin. They appear in mid-to-late adulthood and are extremely common. Usually, several lesions are found on the trunk and range in color from red to purple. Once acquired, cherry hemangiomas remain throughout life.

Port-Wine Stains – These are flat, purplish-red to dark-red skin discolorations. They are almost always found on the face but can also appear on the neck, arms or legs. Size varies from very small to over half of the body's surface. Port-wine stains grow as the child grows. They can last a lifetime, often causing psychological and social distress.

What Causes It?

The cause of vascular birthmarks is unknown. They are usually harmless, painless and have no effect on general health.

What Can Be Done?

Many vascular birthmarks are temporary and require no treatment. More persistent birthmarks may be treated with cryotherapy, or freezing with liquid nitrogen.

At Miramar Dermatology/Skin and Cancer Associates, we favor the Iridex Diolite vascular laser and the Lumenis IPL to treat vascular marks. Treatment is supervised by board-certified dermatologists.