Birthmarks
Birthmarks are extremely common and can range from simple pigmented marks through to vascular lesions such as haemangiomas or port-wine stains and even birthmarks of the sebaceous glands. In many cases they are completely harmless, but some benefit from specialist assessment to confirm the diagnosis, understand how they are likely to behave over time, and decide whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate. Most are present from birth, but some do develop over time and don’t become evident until adolescence.
When we assess a birthmark, the priority is always accurate diagnosis first. This involves careful clinical examination, dermoscopic assessment, and where appropriate, photographic monitoring so we can safely track any changes. Many birthmarks simply require reassurance and observation, while others may benefit from treatment — for example medical management of certain haemangiomas, vascular laser therapy, or selected surgical or laser options for pigmented lesions.
The goal is not to treat every birthmark, but to ensure each patient has a clear diagnosis, a sensible long-term plan, and access to treatment when it is genuinely helpful.