• A vascular birthmark is a colored mass on the skin that is caused by irregular formation of blood vessels. Vascular birthmarks can show up on a baby's skin before birth or shortly afterward. These birthmarks do not damage the skin, are not painful and do not affect a person's health. There are a few types of common vascular birthmarks.
  
  

Macular Stains

• Macular stains are tiny pink or red blood vessels that form on the skin; these are the most common type of vascular birthmarks. They are often called angel kisses when they are visible on the eyelids or forehead. Macular stains are often seen on the lips, eyes, forehead and neck region as well. They can start to fade as children age, but some macular stains last into adulthood. Some babies are born with these birthmarks on the backs of their necks (sometimes called "stork bites"), which, over time, are hidden by hair.
  
  

Port Wine Stains

• These birthmarks are purple to dark red with a flat appearance on the skin. Port wine stains are normally seen on areas of the face, although they also can appear on other parts of the body, such as the legs, neck and arms. They can be tiny or cover large areas. These birthmarks grow along with a child and are normally present for a lifetime.
  
  

Hemangiomas

• Hemangiomas are benign growths of tiny blood vessels that protrude from the skin. There are three types: strawberry, cavernous and cherry. A strawberry birthmark is red with an uneven surface that is barely raised from the skin. It has blood vessels that are grouped together, resembling a strawberry. This type of birthmarks can be on any part of the body. Cavernous birthmarks are dark red and appear in the form of an inverted dome that goes deep into the skin. These birthmarks often grow smaller, then disappear as a child ages. Cherry birthmarks are tiny red or purple overhangs on the skin that can appear as one or several spots on the skin. They commonly appear on adults and stay on the skin for a lifetime.