Vascular birthmarks are red, dark red, or pink spots or patches on the skin that may be present at birth or shortly after birth. Vascular birthmarks are caused by abnormalities in blood vessel formation during pregnancy, such as excessive blood vessel formation or the formation of blood vessels that are more dilated than normal.
Birthmarks are a type of skin abnormality. The appearance, shape or color may vary depending on the abnormality of cells such as skin cells, blood vessels, lymphatic channels. Red birthmarks are one of the characteristics of birthmarks that usually do not cause harm to the body. Moreover, red birthmarks may fade on their own or may be treated to be better by various methods such as laser skin resurfacing or using various medications.
Causes of red birthmarks
Birthmarks may appear due to abnormalities in the blood vessels under the skin, such as excessive blood vessel formation or blood vessels that dilate more than normal. Birthmarks can be divided into 3 types as follows:
- Salmon patch is a red birthmark caused by dilated blood vessels under the skin. There may be increased blood flow in the area, which may result in this type of birthmark.
- Hemangioma: This type of birthmark is caused by a large number of blood vessels coming together and pushing against the skin, forming a lump.
- Port-Wine Stain: This type of birthmark may occur due to abnormalities in the formation of capillaries under the skin. The capillaries may dilate abnormally, resulting in a port-wine stain.
However, the cause of the abnormality in blood vessel formation is still unclear. The formation of nevus may not be related to genetics or abnormalities that occur during pregnancy.
Symptoms of red birthmarks
Most birthmarks do not cause any symptoms other than a spot or birthmark on the skin, which can appear anywhere on the body. However, birthmarks can vary in appearance depending on the type of birthmark, as follows:
Salmon patch
is a common type of birthmark. It can be seen as a smooth red or pink birthmark. It often appears on the forehead, eyebrows, eyelids, back of the neck, nose, or back of the head. Salmon patch is often more noticeable when a child is crying or when the body temperature changes.
Hemangioma Hemangioma
is a red, raised , soft lump of skin that is usually red or dark red in color. This type of red birthmark is most commonly found on the face, scalp, chest, or back.
Port-Wine Stain
Port-Wine stains are red or dark red patches that can vary in size from person to person. As a child gets older, the stain may become thicker, rougher, and larger. Port-Wine stains are most common on the neck, scalp, and face, especially around the eyes.
Symptoms of red birthmarks that should prompt a visit to the doctor
If you notice a red birthmark, you should see a doctor to check if the birthmark is harmful to your body. You should also see a doctor if the birthmark has the following characteristics:
- The birthmark changes in appearance, such as becoming larger, thicker, or darker.
- Red birthmark with blood or pus flowing
- The red birthmark is swollen or
- Red birthmarks are painful, sore or itchy.
- Birthmarks affect bodily functions such as vision, breathing, and hearing.
- Red vascular birthmarks occur around the eyes, which can cause eye and nervous system disorders.
Diagnosis of erythematous nevus
A doctor can diagnose a birthmark by examining its appearance. If it is a haemangioma or a capillary birthmark that is close to a vital organ, a doctor may order a CT scan or MRI for further examination, as birthmarks can affect your health.
Treatment of red birthmarks
Most birthmarks disappear on their own with age. However, treatment of birthmarks on the body can be due to several reasons such as causing insecurity, inconvenience in daily life, or birthmarks can affect health. The treatment method for birthmarks can vary depending on the type of birthmark, such as:
- Laser surgery: Your doctor may use a laser to shrink blood vessels, which can help reduce the appearance of a birthmark. It may also be used to remove a hemangioma birthmark.
- Propranololis used to treat haemangiomas when they become larger. Propranolol can help reduce the size of the tumor and help it shrink .
- Use of Your doctor may recommend oral or injectable corticosteroids if propranolol treatment for a haemangioma isn’t effective. Corticosteroids can help shrink blood vessels, which can make the haemangioma smaller.
Complications of erythematous nevus
Birthmarks usually do not cause complications, especially salmon patch birthmarks. However, hemangiomas and capillary birthmarks can cause other complications, such as:
Complications of haemangioma
Hemangioma can cause complications such as:
- A nevus may rupture, causing pain and bleeding, which may result in scarring or increase the risk of infection.
- If a red mole occurs near the eye, it may affect vision, such as blurred vision , astigmatism, nearsightedness, or blocked tear ducts.
- If the mole occurs near the nose or throat, the airway may be partially blocked, causing difficulty breathing.
- If the red mole occurs near the lips, it may make it difficult to eat and cause lip deformity.
- If the red mole occurs near the ear, it may cause hearing impairment.
Complications of varicose veins
Veiny birthmarks usually do not cause complications, but in some cases, they can cause complications, such as:
- If a red vascular nevus occurs near the eyelid, it may increase the risk of developing glaucoma, which if left untreated can lead to loss of vision .
- If a red birthmark occurs in conjunction with certain conditions, such as Sturge-Weber syndrome, it can lead to neurological problems, such as
In addition to the complications associated with certain diseases or health problems, large and easily noticeable birthmarks can cause insecurity in those with them, which can lead to mental and social problems.
Prevention of red spots
At present, there is no way to prevent the birth of red birthmarks because the cause of red birthmarks is still unknown. However, you should always observe the appearance of the birthmark. If the birthmark changes or if there are any abnormal symptoms, you should see a doctor because seeing a doctor early may help prevent the dangers that may occur due to red birthmarks.
