As a dermatologist with over a decade of experience, I have often been asked about the causes of birthmarks in babies. Birthmarks are colored marks or areas of skin that are different from the surrounding tissue and are visible at birth or shortly after. They are quite common, affecting nearly every newborn. The development of birthmarks is a complex process and can be attributed to several factors, including genetic and environmental influences.

Genetics play a significant role in the formation of some birthmarks. For instance, certain types of birthmarks, such as café-au-lait macules and Mongolian spots, are more prevalent in specific ethnic groups, suggesting a hereditary component.

Another factor is vascular anomalies, which can lead to the formation of vascular birthmarks like hemangiomas and port-wine stains. These are caused by abnormal development of blood vessels in the skin.

Environmental factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals or medications during pregnancy, may also contribute to the development of birthmarks, although evidence for this is less conclusive.

Lastly, random errors during the embryonic development can result in the formation of birthmarks. The exact cause in these cases is often unknown and may be due to a combination of factors.

It's important to note that while most birthmarks are harmless, some can be associated with underlying medical conditions or have the potential to grow or change over time. Therefore, it's always a good idea to have any unusual marks evaluated by a healthcare professional.

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Vascular birthmarks - a red, pink, or purple blemish - are caused by abnormal blood vessels under the skin. Some people are born with pigmented birthmarks; these are usually brown and are caused by the clustering of pigment cells.read more >>