does anyone know anything about birthmarks?

[BaffledByBabyTights]

my dd (a whole 10 days old!!) was born with a large flat red purple birthmark the length of her left arm, it looks rather like she is wearing a sleeve when she is naked. I don't know anything about birthmarks - what causes them - are they heriditary? I don't know of anyone in the family with one. Do they grow with the arm, or might it stay the same size and so seem proportionately smaller?

My two littlies have a birthmark on the back of their heads that is exactly the same as their dad's.

That is the sum total of my knowledge about birthmarks, but this site may be able to help.

xx

thanks squonk that site was really useful, it sounds like it will grow with her.

My dd (now nearly 8) was born with a strawberry mark behind her knee. It started off faint and then seemed to get redder over time. We worried that it would always be that way but looking at it now - it's faded right back to skin colour. She still has a lumpy bit behind her knee but it doesn't stand out or bother her in anyway.
In fact, I'd completely forgotten about it until I read your thread.

My dd also had a large red circular mark on the lower left leg when she was born, it got darker first and has now faded and completely disappeared. I don't know how common this is, or if it will be the same for you - but it can happen!

thank you for these posts - helennn, how old is you dd now and when did it start to fade?

bumping - anyone else got any experience/knowledge?

The very red strawberry marks seem to fade away.
Don't know about purple ones.

Strawberry marks fade away. Port wine marks don't, but can respond well to laser treatment - usually when child is older. Paed. or dermatologist will be able to tell you waht sort it is and how to manage it and when. HTH