Birthmark

Close-up of a birthmark (the darker spot on the skin)

A birthmark is a mark on the skin that some people have at birth. In dermatology, there are two main types of birthmarks: pigmented birthmarks and vascular birthmarks. Pigmented birthmarks are caused by an excess (larger than normal amount) of pigment cells in the skin and include moles, café au lait spots, and Mongolian spots. Vascular birthmarks, also called red birthmarks, are caused by increased blood vessels and include macular stains (salmon patches), hemangiomas, and port-wine stains.

Most birthmarks are benign and do not require treatment. However, some may increase your risk of developing skin cancer, and as such, should be monitored.[1]

In the past, a birthmark was once thought of as the mark of the devil, and today it is often considered a birth defect. In some cases this mark is considered to be the mark of God applied to his chosen few.