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Birthmarks are coloured marks on the skin that are present at birth or that develop shortly after birth. They may be brown, tan, black, blue or blue-grey, pink, white, red, or purple. Some birthmarks appear on the surface of the skin, some are raised above the surface of the skin, and some are located under the skin.
Most birthmarks need no treatment. They often fade as a child grows older. But some birthmarks may need treatment because of their location.
Experts do not know why some children have birthmarks and others do not.
Current as of: March 22, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Brian D. O'Brien MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & John Pope MD - Pediatrics
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