Often, even in the maternity hospital, birthmarks can be found on the skin of newborns. In some cases, they are inherited, but generally do not have a genetic predisposition. In any case, all spots on the skin of the baby should be thoroughly examined and examined by a specialist. The article will discuss the causes of their occurrence and possible danger.
Causes of Stains
There are several factors that contribute to the formation of various “marks”. Brown spots occur in the baby due to an excess of melanin. He is responsible for the color of the skin. Most often, the spots are not dangerous for the child, and you only need to observe them. Neoplasms that prevent him from living a normal life are removed. The exact etiology of their appearance has not been established. The main causes of a birthmark in a newborn:
- fetal oxygen starvation during pregnancy or childbirth;
- the birth of a premature baby;
- infectious diseases that a woman suffered during pregnancy;
- hormonal changes in the body of the expectant mother;
- multiple pregnancy.
Long-term observations by doctors confirm that birthmarks of red color are found several times more often in female infants. Detected neoplasms should be shown to a pediatric surgeon. A specialist will be able to assess their size and possible harm.
Dark pigment spots
Such neoplasms arise in the form of an accumulation of melanocytes, staining the skin in a color that differs from its main shade. Freckles and moles can also be attributed to age spots. They have no effect on the skin. Parents can just watch moles, especially large ones.
The pigmented area of the skin may be small or occupy a large area. Experts also argue that many babies are born with nevi that do not differ from skin tone.
Types of birthmarks in newborns:
- Epidermal and melanocytic nevi. Formations are round and oval. Dark spots are called giant nevi. The first two types of formations do not pose a threat to life. With a giant nevus, you need to constantly be observed by a specialist. There is a possibility of its degeneration into a malignant neoplasm.
- "Coffee stain." It does not endanger the body and looks like a flat neoplasm that has clear edges. Parents notice its occurrence 2-3 months after the baby is born. If large tumors are found (more than 5 mm in diameter), you need to consult a specialist for advice.
- Mongolian spot. A neoplasm of a gray or bluish tint, which has an extensive size. Most often, a birthmark in a newborn, the photo of which is presented below, is located in the lumbosacral region. The prognosis for education is favorable, and it disappears during the first year of life.
All birthmarks require increased monitoring by parents and specialists. Although in many cases they disappear on their own.
Red spots
Formations that have a pink or crimson color, are a cluster in one place of dilated blood vessels. They have both a flat and convex shape. A red birthmark in newborns can be located in different parts of the body. It can be legs and arms, stomach, back, buttocks and face. The most common locations of neoplasms include the cheeks, nose, eyelids and nose bridge.
Several varieties of spots are known. The most common is simple nevus. Sometimes a mother notices a birthmark in a newborn on the back of her head or forehead in the form of a triangle. It is not convex, the color is not bright, but reddish. If the child is worried, then the neoplasm darkens and becomes more noticeable. Over time, the stain completely disappears, leaving no residue.
Hemangiomas are also very common in infants. Their color may be different (bright red or pink). Hemangioma can increase in size with the baby, and sometimes remains the same. Stains are removed if they are located in areas prone to injury.
Types of hemangiomas:
- Berry. It resembles raspberries or strawberries in shape. Most often, a birthmark on the head of a newborn can occur on the cheek, temple or neck. The total diameter of the formation is from 2-3 mm to 3 cm. Initially, nevi have a tendency to increase, but gradually they disappear.
- Cavernous. These formations lack clear edges, but they are noticeable due to their structure. The color of the spot is maroon, it rises above the surface of the skin. If you click on it, then pain appears. The stain grows most quickly in the first few months of the baby's life, then disappears. Only in certain cases is hemangioma dangerous and requires specialist advice.
- Stellate. It has the shape of a star with rays. Most often, you can find such a birthmark in a newborn on the face or neck. This type of neoplasm disappears on its own without any intervention.
There is also a “wine” stain that has a burgundy hue and resembles spilled pomegranate juice. Most often located on the upper and lower extremities, back and abdomen. A baby is usually born with this neoplasm. The stain does not pass on its own, so it is removed with a laser. Especially dangerous is the location of the neoplasm in the eye area.
Light spots
Neoplasms in which there is no color can be qualified as follows.
- Nevus of Hadasson. It is congenital, but occurs in infancy or preschool age. The stain is a round plaque with a shiny surface. Its size is from 5-6 mm to 9 cm. Sometimes the nevus from the scalp goes to the back of the head or neck. It is best to remove it in order to prevent possible complications, but only at the age of 10-12 years.
- Anemic nevus. It is characterized by the accumulation of underdeveloped vessels. Therefore, it has a lighter shade than the surrounding tissue. It is difficult to establish an accurate diagnosis because of its color.
To determine the risk of nevus growth, you need to consult a specialist.
Extra nipple
Another congenital pathology that occurs in male and female infants. The mammary gland under such a nipple is absent. It is believed that he went to infants from distant ancestors, and is considered atavism. The extra nipple is not a developmental abnormality, it does not apply to any pathology. It also does not adversely affect the development of the child.
Do i need to remove birthmarks?
Eliminating tumors in infants is necessary only if there is a danger to their life. After all, the immune system at this age is not sufficiently developed, and any intervention can negatively affect the body.
Doctors recommend removing birthmarks in such cases:
- huge size;
- the neoplasm is rapidly increasing in size;
- there are more than 5 spots, and they are all concentrated in one place;
- location in a hazardous place;
- nevus interferes with the normal functioning of organs (eyes, nose).
Particular attention should be paid to the birthmark in the newborn on the leg or in another place that has changed color or shape. And also if it starts to itch or bleed.
When to see a doctor?
Separate birthmarks are dangerous for the health of the child and must be removed. Here are some situations that require an urgent appeal to a specialist.
- In a newborn older than 6 months, the neoplasm begins to increase rapidly.
- The stain can be touched or damaged by clothing, a comb or shoes.
- The size of the neoplasm in diameter is more than 20 cm.
- The spot is located in the nasal passage, in the eyelid or ear canal.
- The neoplasm was damaged, it began to bleed.
- The stain changes color or hair falls out of it.
If the parents found one of these changes associated with the neoplasm, then it is necessary to get urgent specialist advice.
Mole removal methods
If a decision has been made to get rid of a birthmark, you need to listen to the advice of a specialist. There are several ways to remove it.
- Injection of the drug directly into the birthmark, after which it gradually dies.
- With cryotherapy, moles are frozen with nitrogen. After 2-3 days, the affected area heals, and with the crust, the neoplasm also disappears. This method is used to remove small moles.
- Laser. With its help, moles are removed painlessly. The healing process is also fast.
- Radio waves. Sometimes a specialist prescribes the procedure for removing a mole using exposure to radio waves. Healing of the lesion occurs quickly, no scars remain.
- The birthmark is removed with a scalpel - with a large tumor. The method is quite traumatic and is used in special cases.
How to remove the neoplasm - the specialist decides in each case. And sometimes the doctor offers a choice of several methods.
Prevention
If the birthmark of a newborn is small, and does not cause him concern, then parents should not worry. It is only necessary to observe it and note that it does not increase in size. In case of any changes, you must visit a pediatrician or dermatologist.
If the child has a neoplasm, then the following measures must be observed:
- protect the spot from direct sunlight;
- make sure that the child does not hurt him;
- protect the stain from contact with household cleaning products.
Remember: only in emergency cases, birthmarks must be removed.
Birthmark value
Ancient science interprets marks located in one place or another as having an effect on the whole future life of the child. Some religions attribute sins in a past life to the causes of birthmarks in newborns. So, the appearance of moles on the left side of the body means leadership qualities and the ability to manage events. Markings on the right side can cause trouble.
Their removal was perceived as a crime against fate. Birthmark is an indicator of debt. Oval, circle, triangle - this form indicated positive traits in character and portended fame. Education in the form of a cross meant humility.
Conclusion
Birthmarks that occur on the skin of a newborn do not always have a negative effect on his health. It is important to observe their growth and development and consult a specialist.