Cafe au lait birthmark & spider veins

[BySunnyWriter]

Hello!

my LO is 4 MO and has small cafe au lait and spider veins. Looking for advice on what to expect growth wise? Will either disappear?Are there are lightening creams for cafe au lait?

Thanks!

Not sure about spider veins, as surely that's just where baby's skin is so thin and pale at the moment you can see them. Rather than damaged veins. I imagine they'll disappear as the skin thickens as baby gets older.

My son has two cafe au lait birthmarks, one on his upper chest, and one on the back of one of his legs. They've been there since birth, and he's two now. They have not faded with time, but have not darkened or gotten larger. When he gets older (teenage years+), if he wants them gone, he can use lightening creams then.

Thanks, that’s quite reassuring. I’d be a little worried if it began to grow/darken as children can be inquisitive but as they get older they can be mean.

Re spider veins, this makes sense, I had assumed it was some type of birthmark.

I can offer no advice but just to say what a beautiful baby and I cannot see anything from the photos,

That’s very kind, thank you! :)

I can't even see much of a mark on your baby pictures and if it is a small birthmark just make sure you use suncream or a hat so it doesn't darken. A baby doesn't need lightning cream!

I have a large cafe au lait birthmark down my neck. I don't even think about it now but as a child I had such a complex and it really affected me. I thought I was ugly and stained and was desperate for lightning creams or camouflage makeup.

Unfortunately it took me until I was an adult to realise that there's nothing wrong with having such a birthmark and I don't need lasers or lightning creams for it. I wish my parents had told me that from a young age and filled me with confidence.

Sorry to hear you had a tough time, I’m glad you’re able to embrace your birthmark now! :)

The post is looking for advice on size/growth/options etc, as I know it’s very faint now! Please don’t think I will be using these on my baby, I’d just like to understand what options (if any) would be available when he’s old enough to make that decision should he decide he’d like it treated :)

My daughter’s birthmark did get darker as she got older and it is on her forehead and very visible. At no point have I ever thought about lightening cream and at no point has anyone ever been mean to her about it! My cousin actually has one in exactly the same location so I have always told her it makes them unique and special!

Thank you, great to hear there were never any negative comments! When he’s old enough to make a decision (if it does become much darker and bigger) he may ask if it’s treatable so interested to understand options but positive affirmations I hope will be enough to ensure he doesn’t feel like he needs to change :)

Cafe au lait birthmarks can be a sign of neurofibromatosis.
It might be worth looking into that.

Thanks, this is only if 6+ appear in the first few months/years of life so I’m not concerned :)

Thanks, this is only if 6+ appear in the first few months/years of life so I’m not concerned :)

It seems you have looked into it then. It is something to be aware of.

Yes, I am aware and also not concerned at the moment. Thanks!

@Dyra my son has 2 CALS aswell. Do you mind me asking if your child is fair skinned? My son is, and they both darken a lot in the sun.

@Dinkydonut1 He is! The location of his CALS are usually covered by clothes though, so don't seem to have darkened much despite the recent good weather. Maybe if he toddles around in just a nappy, and gets some direct sunlight it might change.

@Dyra that makes sense. My sons are both in spots that see the sun a lot. They fade again in Winter. Has anyone ever been concerned about the fact he has more than 1? My Doctor isn't, but I do wonder how "normal" it is. I suppose it may be because he is so fair skinned!

@Dinkydonut1 TBH I didn't know neurofibromatosis existed until this thread, let alone there being a link to it. I've never bought it up to the doctor, but should more ever appear, or they change size, then absolutely. But just 2 I think is fine.