# Birthmarks and congenital moles

> Port-wine stains, café-au-lait marks, congenital moles and other birthmarks.

Source: https://www.skinhealth.clinic/conditions/birthmarks/
Written and medically reviewed by Dr Ting Seng Tang, Consultant Dermatologist (GMC 7020502). Last reviewed 2026-10.

Birthmarks are areas of skin that look different from birth or soon after. They include vascular marks such as port-wine stains and salmon patches, pigmented marks such as café-au-lait macules and congenital moles, and other marks such as Mongolian blue spots.

Most are harmless. A few are linked with other conditions or need monitoring, so it is worth having an unusual or changing birthmark looked at by a specialist.

## How We Can Help

- Identifying the type of birthmark and explaining what to expect as your child grows.
- Advice on which birthmarks need monitoring, further tests or referral, and which can be left alone.
- Discussion of treatment options, such as laser for port-wine stains, and referral where appropriate.

## When to get urgent help

Have a birthmark assessed promptly if it is a port-wine stain on the forehead or around the eye, a large congenital mole, six or more café-au-lait marks, or any mark that is changing, bleeding or lumpy.

## Book

See https://www.skinhealth.clinic/services/ for online (£150), face-to-face (£250 new, £180 follow-up) and Mole Check / Rash Review (£75) appointments.

_General information only, not a substitute for individual medical advice. Provided by SkinHealth.Clinic (Dr Ting Seng Tang, GMC 7020502)._