Birthmarks and Pigmented Skin

Understanding Birthmarks and Pigmented Skin

Birthmarks and pigmented skin spots are common skin conditions that appear at birth or develop shortly after. While most are harmless, some may cause cosmetic concerns, change over time, or signal an underlying health condition. At Precision Dermatology in Kerrville, TX, our board-certified dermatologist specializes in diagnosing and treating all types of birthmarks and pigmented lesions to ensure your skin remains healthy and beautiful.

What Are Birthmarks?

Birthmarks are areas of skin with abnormal color that can be flat or raised. They vary in size and color, appearing as shades of brown, black, tan, pink, white, red, or purple. Birthmarks fall into two main categories:

Pigmented birthmarks – caused by clusters of pigment cells.
Vascular (red) birthmarks – caused by abnormal blood vessels under the skin.

Types of Pigmented Birthmarks

Moles (Congenital Nevi): Usually brown or black, appearing at birth or shortly after.
Café-au-lait Spots: Light brown or tan oval patches, often harmless but may appear in groups.
Mongolian Spots: Flat, bluish-gray patches more common in darker skin tones, typically on the back or buttocks.

Types of Vascular (Red) Birthmarks

Macular Stains (Salmon Patches): Common pink or red patches such as angel kisses (on the eyelids/forehead) or stork bites (on the neck).
Port-Wine Stains: Deep red or purple marks that are permanent and may darken over time.
Strawberry Hemangiomas: Raised, bright red growths that often fade by age nine.
Cavernous Hemangiomas: Deeper, bluish-purple growths that usually shrink during childhood.

When to See a Dermatologist

Most birthmarks are harmless, but professional evaluation is important if you notice:
✔ A mole or spot that changes in size, color, or shape
✔ A birthmark that grows rapidly or becomes symptomatic (itchy, painful, or bleeds)
✔ Pigmented lesions that raise cosmetic concerns or affect self-confidence
✔ Large or multiple café-au-lait spots (may be associated with other conditions)

Treatment Options at Precision Dermatology

While some birthmarks fade naturally, others may persist or worsen. At Precision Dermatology, we offer safe, effective treatment options, including:

Laser Therapy (including vascular lasers for red birthmarks)
Topical treatments and prescription skincare
Surgical removal (when medically necessary)
Ongoing monitoring for skin cancer risk in certain moles