Birthmarks are areas of discoloured or raised skin that are present at birth or develop shortly afterwards. They can vary widely in size, shape, and colour and may appear anywhere on the body. Some common types of birthmarks include vascular birthmarks, such as port-wine stains and hemangiomas, and pigmented birthmarks, such as café-au-lait macules, naevus spilus, and naevus of Ota.

• Port-Wine Stains: These vascular birthmarks appear as pink, red, or purple patches on the skin, often growing darker and thicker over time. They are caused by an abnormal development of blood vessels and are most commonly found on the face and neck.
• Hemangiomas: Hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors that typically appear as raised, red areas on the skin. They often develop within the first few weeks of life and may grow rapidly before gradually shrinking over time. While most hemangiomas do not require treatment, some may need intervention if they interfere with vital functions or cause cosmetic concerns.
• Café-au-Lait Macules: These pigmented birthmarks are flat, light brown spots on the skin. They can vary in size and are usually harmless. However, having multiple café-au-lait macules may be associated with genetic conditions like neurofibromatosis, so it’s important to have them evaluated if they are numerous or large.
• Naevus Spilus: Also known as speckled lentiginous nevus, this pigmented birthmark consists of a café-au-lait macule with darker spots or speckles within it.
• Naevus of Ota: This pigmented birthmark appears as a bluish or grayish discolouration, usually on the face, around the eyes, or on the forehead. It is more common in individuals of Asian or African descent and can increase in pigmentation over time.