Paediatric Dermatology

Birthmark Evaluation

Most birthmarks are harmless and need no treatment -- an evaluation tells you which category yours falls into, and what, if anything, to expect.

Book a Birthmark Evaluation

Noticed a birthmark on your newborn or infant?

Most birthmarks are entirely benign and many fade or resolve on their own over time. An evaluation identifies the specific type and whether monitoring alone is appropriate.

A birthmark that's growing, changing, or in a sensitive location?

Certain birthmarks -- particularly larger ones, or those near the eyes, airway, or other sensitive areas -- benefit from closer monitoring or, occasionally, treatment, and are worth a prompt evaluation.

Birthmarks are extremely common and come in several distinct types — including vascular birthmarks (such as salmon patches and infantile haemangiomas) and pigmented birthmarks (such as congenital moles and Mongolian spots) — each with a different natural course. Many fade or resolve on their own over months to a few years without any treatment at all, while a smaller number benefit from monitoring or, in specific circumstances, treatment.

The single most valuable thing an evaluation provides for most parents is accurate reassurance: correctly identifying the type of birthmark your child has, and understanding its typical natural course, resolves most of the anxiety that brings families in for a first visit.

What to Expect at Your Visit

We examine the birthmark to classify its specific type, noting size, location, and any change since you first noticed it. Based on the type identified, we explain the expected natural course — whether it’s likely to fade, stay the same, or occasionally grow before eventually resolving — and what, if anything, would be a reason to bring your child back sooner than a routine follow-up.

Treatment Approach

For the majority of birthmarks, which are expected to resolve naturally over time, our approach is structured monitoring rather than intervention — with clear guidance on exactly what changes (rapid growth, ulceration, bleeding, or specific patterns depending on type) would warrant a prompt follow-up rather than waiting for a scheduled visit.

For birthmarks where treatment is genuinely indicated — based on size, location near a sensitive structure like the eye or airway, or a growth pattern that suggests it won’t resolve favorably on its own — we discuss appropriate options and coordinate with other specialists where needed.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Most birthmarks are cosmetic and medically inconsequential, and the honest, most helpful thing we can offer for these is accurate information and appropriate reassurance rather than unnecessary treatment. For the smaller number of birthmarks that do need monitoring or treatment, we explain clearly why, and what the realistic course of action and expected outcome looks like for your child’s specific case.

How We Evaluate

Visual examination and classification of birthmark type
Assessment of size, location, and growth pattern
Discussion of expected natural course for the specific type identified

Treatment Options

Monitoring & Reassurance: For birthmarks that are expected to fade or resolve naturally, structured monitoring with clear guidance on what changes would warrant a follow-up visit.
Treatment for Specific Types: For birthmark types that do benefit from treatment -- based on size, location, or growth pattern -- appropriate options discussed and, where needed, coordinated with other specialists.
Parent Guidance: Clear explanation of what to expect over time for your child's specific birthmark type, so you know what's normal and what to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of birthmarks?

Birthmarks generally fall into two categories: vascular birthmarks (such as salmon patches and infantile haemangiomas) and pigmented birthmarks (such as congenital moles and Mongolian spots). Each has a different natural course, which we explain at your child's evaluation.

Do birthmarks fade on their own?

Many birthmarks fade or resolve on their own over months to a few years without any treatment. Whether this applies to your child's specific birthmark depends on its type, which we identify at evaluation.

When should I be concerned about my child's birthmark?

Rapid growth, ulceration, bleeding, or a birthmark near a sensitive structure like the eye or airway are reasons to seek a prompt evaluation rather than waiting for a routine visit.