Vascular and pigmented birthmarks

Vascular and pigmentary lesions compromise most birthmarks. Lesions range f rom uncommon, to very common, some being essentially normal variants. The n atural history of these varies from being transient phenomena of no signifi cance to permanent cutaneous findings that may be associated with significa nt systemic complications or diseases. This article describes the most freq uently encountered clinically important birthmarks, including congenital ne vi, hypopigmented lesions, vascular malformations and hemangiomas, discussi ng clinical presentation, diagnosis, and findings that should prompt early assessment and treatment.