Birthmarks
Overview
Birthmarks are coloured marks on the skin that are present at birth or soon afterwards. Most are harmless and disappear without treatment, but some may need to be treated.
Treatment
Most birthmarks do not need treatment, but some do. This is why it's important to get a birthmark checked if you're worried about it. A birthmark can be removed on the NHS if it's affecting a person's health. If you want a birthmark removed for cosmetic reasons, you'll have to pay to have it done privately. Possible treatments for birthmarks include: medicines – to reduce blood flow to the birthmark, which can slow down its growth and make it lighter in colourlaser therapy – where heat and light are used to make the birthmark smaller and lighter (it works best if started between 6 months and 1 year of age)surgery – to remove the birthmark (but it can leave scarring) Birthmark Support Group: getting help