There are two main kinds of birthmarks: hemangiomas and pigmented birthmarks. The strawberry birthmark falls under the first category. The red colored mark usually appears a few weeks after birth and grows quickly. Other names for the strawberry birthmark include nevus vascularis, strawberry mark, capillary hemangioma, and hemangioma simplex. The other kind of birthmark, the pigmented birthmark, is usually present when the affected individual is born and can be black, brown, blue, or gray in color.
The brightly colored strawberry birthmark is among the most common of the birthmarks. It can appear any place on the human body; however, it is usually found on a person’s head, face, chest, or back. It is formed from a small group of blood vessels that develop on a particular area of the body.
A strawberry mark is generally not painful or harmful; however, if it covers an individual’s eyes, nose, or mouth, it can lead to problems. For example, it can cause problems with the individual’s eyesight if it covers an eyelid. In addition, a birthmark can cause problems breathing, if it is on a person’s mouth or nose.
Luckily, individuals who are affected with a strawberry mark find that it disappears before ten years of age. Sometimes there is a light discoloration mark or even a texture to the skin in the area of the strawberry birthmark; however, the birthmark itself will be gone. Many other kinds of birthmarks do not disappear on their own, making the strawberry mark rather unique.
The reason behind most birthmarks is not yet determined. Researchers do know that they are not genetically inherited. Birthmarks do not require treatment, unless they impair the individual’s eyesight or ability to breathe, as mentioned above. Many people with birthmarks opt to have them removed for psychological or aesthetic reasons, especially if they are located on the face.
In most cases, red birthmarks are easy to diagnose. Occasionally, a deep birthmark may require a confirmation test, such as an ultrasound or biopsy, to finalize confirmation. Once conformation is received, the individual can decide whether she wants to hide or remove it.
An easy way to hide a strawberry birthmark is to cover it with concealer. In addition, cortisone can be applied to it to limit its growth. Freezing, laser surgery, and surgical removal are other treatment options. It is important to talk to a qualified dermatologist or other medical doctor before undergoing any procedure.