Birthmarks often appear during the first year of life. While some are barely noticeable, others can be large and disfiguring. They vary in shape, color and texture. Most are harmless and will fade over time. However, because birthmarks can be associated with serious health conditions, it is important to monitor them as a child grows.
Sturge-Weber Syndrome
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Sturge-Weber syndrome is a disorder that affects the nervous system. Symptoms of this disorder include seizures, glaucoma and a large light pink to dark purple port-wine birthmark across the upper eyelid and forehead. Oftentimes symptoms begin at birth and can get worse with age.
Some children with Sturge-Weber syndrome may experience delays in development and even mental retardation. Fortunately, there are several treatments available for this condition. Laser therapy can be used to remove or lighten the birthmark, a doctor can prescribe an anticonvulsant medication to keep seizures under control and surgery can be performed to treat severe cases of glaucoma.
Neurofibromatosis
Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disease that disrupts the growth and development of the body's nerve tissues. It can cause disfiguring tumors to develop on any nerve beneath or on top of the skin. In addition, light brown birthmarks can appear anywhere on the body---including the tongue.
Birthmarks caused by neurofibromatosis vary in shape and size and usually grow bigger as a child ages. In addition to these symptoms, about half of children who have neurofibromatosis experience developmental delays and exhibit signs of mental retardation. To treat this condition, patients undergo radiation, chemotherapy and surgery to remove tumors.
Melanocytes
New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated explains that melanocytes, a congenital condition, can cause brown birthmarks to develop during the first year of life. This condition is common---about 1 in 100 babies are born with a small or medium sized birthmark. Melanocytes are caused by genetic abnormalities that cause overgrowth of the skin cells responsible for normal skin pigmentation.
Because melanoma, a form of cancer, can sometimes develop as a result of this condition, the skin must be frequently monitored by a doctor. To treat the condition, a physician may surgically extract or use a laser to lessen the appearance of the birthmark.
