Lots of people have birthmarks – they come in different shapes and colours, and can appear anywhere on your body.

Brown birthmarks

Brown birthmarks are often called ‘café au lait’ birthmarks because they often look the colour of milky coffee.

Most of these birthmarks are harmless, but if you have lots of large ones, there is a chance you could have something called neurofibromatosis. This will have been checked when you were younger.

Café au lait birthmarks don’t usually need to be treated, but if it is in a place that shows, you could consider something called camouflage cream, which blends the birthmark in with the skin around it.

Moles

Moles are another kind of common birthmark. They normally appear throughout your life and don’t cause any problems. You should still check them though, and call your doctor if they change colour, become ragged around the edges or start to itch or bleed.

Blue birthmarks

Not all birthmarks are brown. The Mongolian blue spot is a blue colour, which looks like a bruise.

It’s more common in people with dark skin and usually appears on your lower back or buttocks. It doesn’t cause any problems and is unlikely to change in appearance, although it may fade over time.

Birthmarks like this usually don’t need treatment. You should still check your skin regularly to make sure your birthmark isn’t changing shape or colour – if it is, see your doctor to have it checked.

For more help and information

You can talk to your doctor or nurse, or contact the Birthmark Support Group. They can put you in touch with other people your age who have had a haemangioma. They don’t have a phone number, you can visit their website at www.birthmarksupportgroup.org.uk

Check out www.iface.org.uk – a discussion forum and information resource for young people affected by a skin condition or disfigurement of the face or body.

Last reviewed by Great Ormond Street Hospital: 3 October 2006

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