Birthmarks often develop over time with very little forewarning. Sometimes, what appears to be a birthmark is a scar or a bruise from trauma at birth. Below is an explanation of the symptoms of birthmarks.
Dark Colored Spots
Dark colored spots are often indicative of a bruise, but can also be the development of a birthmark. As your baby ages, even by just a few days, dark spots may become more prominent. If the spot grows darker, even though your baby is healthy and the spot seems to be causing no pain, it may be that your baby has a birthmark.
Misshapen Spots
Additionally, if the spot is misshapen, chances are good that the spot is a birthmark and not a bruise or other type of skin pigment. Birthmarks are very rarely perfectly round and are even less frequently evenly shaped. A misshapen spot, even a very light one, can be a birthmark.
Flat Spots
A birthmark is normally flat, not raised, or otherwise textured. If a spot is raised, it may be a mole. A flat, pigmented and misshapen spot is most likely a birthmark. The size of the birthmark is irrelevant; a birthmark can be small or large, thin or thick.
However, if a mole continues to grow, or is clear, it can be that the spot is a type of birthmark that is filled with blood. Depending on the placement of this type of birthmark, the physician may or may not choose to remove it. Usually, this type of birthmark is harmless, painless and will disappear by your child’s second birthday.
