Birthmarks (children)
Birthmarks in children
HCA UK's experts can help to diagnose and treat a range of birthmarks in children. Find out more.
What is a birth mark?
The most common types of birthmarks are:
- vascular birthmarks (which occur as a result of abnormal blood vessels and are blue, pink, purple or red in colour)
- pigmented birthmarks (which are caused by clusters of pigment cells and are tan or brown in colour).
Types of birthmarks in children
Salmon patches
Infantile haemangiomas
Capillary malformation
Café-au-lait
Mongolian spots
Congenital melanocytic naevi
Need to know
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Identifying a birthmark icon plus
Birthmarks can occur anywhere on your skin, as well as inside your body.
Most are harmless and will fade over time but some will require further treatment for medical or cosmetic reasons.
At HCA UK, our team of dermatologists specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of a range of paediatric skin-related conditions, so if you are unsure whether the area is a birth mark a consultation with a specialist can confirm this. -
How is a birth mark diagnosed? icon plus
Your GP or consultant will discuss your child’s birthmark with you. Tests they may recommend to diagnose the type of birthmark include:
- Examining the skin on your child’s face, chest, back, arms and legs to check the extent of their condition
- Ultrasound scan or MRI scan to check for internal birthmarks
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Potential treatment options icon plus
Treatment options for your child’s birthmark depend on the nature of their condition.Your GP or consultant may recommend:
- Excision (surgery) to remove the birthmark
- Plastic surgery to improve the appearance of the skin
- Medicine such as steroids to shrink the birthmark
- Laser treatment to reduce the size of an internal birthmark
- Camouflage make up
Our paediatric dermatologists
Our locations
From complex skin cancer surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional dermatological care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH
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HCA UK City of London - 120 Old Broad Street
London
EC2N 1AR
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Wellington Hospital Elstree Waterfront
The Waterfront Business Park
Beaufort House, Elstree Road
Elstree WD6 3BS
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
Request an appointment with a paediatric specialist
To request an appointment, call our team in the paediatric unit
Call us on
020 3918 6525