Paediatrics - Birth Marks

Question 1

What is a Birthmark?

Answer 1

An area of discoloured and/or raised skin apparent at birth or within a few weeks of birth.

Question 2

What is a Birthmark made up of?

Answer 2

Malformed pigment cells or blood vessels.

Question 3

Commonest Types of Vascular Birthmarks (3).

Answer 3

1. Macular Stains/Salmon Patches.
2. Haemangiomas.
3. Port-Wine Stains / Nevus Flames.

Question 4

Give 2 Types of Macular Stains.

Answer 4

1. Angel’s Kisses - on Forehead, Nose, Upper Lip, Eyelids.

2. Stork Bites - on Back of Neck.

Question 5

What are Macular Stains/Salmon Patches?

Answer 5

Pink-red marks appearing anywhere on the body.

Question 6

What are Haemangiomas?

Answer 6

A collection of small blood vessels that form a lump under the skin.

Question 7

What is Nevus Flammeus?

Answer 7

Flat pink/red/purple mark continuing to grow with the child and may require treatment if on eyelid/forehead.

Question 8

Commonest Type of Pigmented Birthmarks.

Answer 8

1. Moles - Congenital Naevi (can develop into cancer later).
2. Cafe au Lait - oval shaped light brown/black.
3. Mongolian Spot - blue/gray on lower back/buttocks - Asian/African-American.

Question 9

Where else can Cafe au Last spots be seen? (4)

Answer 9

1. Tuberous Sclerosis.
2. Neurofibromatosis (more than TS).
3. McCune Albright Syndrome.
4. Fanconi Anaemia.