The Facts about Strawberry Birthmarks

By MC Kelby HERWriter

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Strawberry birthmarks (also called strawberry hemangiomas, nevus vascularis, capillary hemangioma, hemangioma simplex) may appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the face, scalp, back or chest.

The marks consist of small closely packed blood vessels. They may be absent at birth and develop at several weeks. They usually grow rapidly, remain a fixed size and then subside. In most cases, strawberry hemangiomas disappear by the time a child is 9 years old. Some slight discoloration or puckering of the skin may remain at the site of the hemangioma.

The cause of most birthmarks is unknown. Most birthmarks are not inherited. Many folk tales and myths exist about the causes of birthmarks but none of these stories have been proven to explain the true causes of birthmarks.

Most birthmarks need no treatment. They often fade as a child grows older. However, some birthmarks may need treatment because of their location. For example, a raised birthmark near a child's eye may interfere with his or her ability to see. In rare cases, birthmarks are associated with other conditions, such as growths on the liver, lungs, stomach or intestines.

There are two main categories of birthmarks-red birthmarks and pigmented birthmarks. Red birthmarks are colored, vascular (having to do with blood vessels) skin markings that develop before or shortly after birth. Pigmented birthmarks are skin markings that are present at birth. The marks may range from brown or black to bluish or blue-gray in color.

The hemangioma is a common type of vascular birthmark. It is usually painless and harmless and its cause is not known. Color from the birthmark comes from the extensive development of blood vessels at the site.

Other types of hemangiomas include cavernous hemangiomas, port-wine stains and salmon patches.

Cavernous hemangiomas (also called angioma cavernosum or cavernoma) are similar to strawberry hemangiomas but are more deeply situated. They may appear as a red-blue spongy mass of tissue filled with blood. Some of these lesions may disappear on their own -- usually as a child approaches school age.

Port-wine stains are flat purple-to-red birthmarks made of dilated blood capillaries. These birthmarks occur most often on the face and may vary in size. Port-wine stains often are permanent (unless treated).

Salmon patches (also called stork bites) appear on 30%-50% of newborn babies. These marks are small blood vessels (capillaries) that are visible through the skin. They are most common on the forehead, eyelids, upper lip, between the eyebrows, and the back of the neck. Often, these marks fade as the infant grows.

In most cases, a health professional can diagnose a red birthmark based on the appearance of the skin. Deeper birthmarks can be confirmed with tests such as MRI, ultrasound, CT scans or biopsies.

Many capillary birthmarks such as salmon patches and strawberry hemangiomas are temporary and require no treatment. For permanent lesions, concealing cosmetics such as Covermark may be helpful. Orally administered cortisone can reduce the size of a hemangioma that is growing rapidly and obstructing vision or vital structures.

Port wine stains on the face can be treated at a young age with a yellow pulsed dye laser for best results.

Other treatments for red birthmarks may include cryotherapy (freezing), laser surgery or surgical removal.

In some cases, birthmarks are not treated until a child reaches school age. However, birthmarks are treated earlier if they compromise vital functions like vision or breathing or are of aesthetic concern.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org
http://www.medicinenet.com
www.google.com/health
http://www.webmd.com

MC Ortega is the former publicist for the late Walter Payton, Coca-Cola and Dunkin’ Donuts. Ortega is a senior communications and messaging executive specializing in media relations, social media, program development and crisis communications. Also, Ortega is an avid traveler and international shopper. Ortega resides with her partner, Craig, dog, Fionne and extensive shoe collection. Ortega also enjoys jewelry design/production and flamenco dancing.

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.