A vascular birthmark is a type of birthmark that is caused by blood vessels that don’t form correctly. It is typically present at birth or appears shortly after birth. There are two main types of vascular birthmarks: hemangiomas and vascular malformations. Hemangiomas are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that may not be apparent at birth, but usually become visible within one to four weeks after birth. Vascular malformations, on the other hand, are a collection of abnormally connected blood vessels named by the type of vessels they include. There are three major types of vascular birthmarks: salmon patch (nevus simplex), port-wine stain, and strawberry hemangioma. Salmon patch is a flat patch of pink or red skin, often small, usually with poorly defined borders. Port-wine stain is a flat, pink, red, or purple discoloration of the skin that is present at birth and grows proportionally with the child. Strawberry hemangioma is a raised red or purple birthmark that may be small or large and appears shortly after birth. Vascular birthmarks are generally benign and do not require treatment, but some may need to be monitored or treated depending on their location, size, and potential for complications. Some may signify an underlying syndrome. For example, port-wine stains on the face can cause associated symptoms collectively referred to as Sturge Weber syndrome. Treatment options include laser therapy, medication, and surgery. It’s best to consult with a board certified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment options.