Birthmarks and moles are common skin lesions that may be present from birth or develop over time. They vary widely in size, colour, shape, and location, but most are harmless. Some remain unchanged throughout life, while others may evolve gradually with age, hormonal changes, or sun exposure.
Although the majority of birthmarks and moles are benign, medical assessment can be helpful to clarify their nature, monitor changes, and address concerns related to appearance or skin health.
At Auria Dermatology Clinic, we assess a wide range of birthmarks and moles. Evaluation focuses on identifying the type of lesion, understanding how it has changed over time, and determining whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate.
Pigmented birthmarks are caused by an increased number of pigment-producing cells or higher melanin concentration in a localised area of skin. They are often brown, grey, or sometimes bluish in colour and may be flat or slightly raised.
Common examples include café-au-lait patches and congenital melanocytic naevi. These marks are usually present at birth or appear in early childhood. Most remain stable, though some may darken or become more noticeable with age.
Vascular birthmarks result from clusters of blood vessels close to the skin surface. They are typically red, pink, or purple and may be flat or raised.
Examples include salmon patches, port-wine stains, and infantile haemangiomas. Some vascular birthmarks fade with time, while others persist into adulthood. Changes in size or colour may occur, particularly during infancy or childhood.
Common moles usually develop during childhood or early adulthood. They arise from clusters of melanocytes and are often evenly coloured and symmetrical. These moles are typically small(er), round or oval, and tend to be uniform in appearance. Morphology wise, they can range from intradermal, compound or junctional moles. Most remain benign and unchanged over time.
Congenital moles are present at birth or appear shortly thereafter. They vary in size and may be flat or raised. Larger congenital moles may require closer monitoring due to a slightly higher risk of change over time.
Atypical moles have features that differ from common moles, such as irregular borders or variation in colour. In selected cases, a skin biopsy is performed to exclude pre-cancerous lesions. People with multiple atypical moles will require regular skin checks, as changes can be harder to distinguish visually.
Assessment begins with a detailed history, including when the lesion first appeared and whether it has changed in size, colour, shape, or symptoms. The dermatologist will examine the lesion’s appearance, borders, and pigmentation pattern.
Dermoscopy will be used to assess subsurface features that are not visible to the naked eye. In selected cases, a skin biopsy may be recommended if the diagnosis is uncertain or if there are concerning features.
Most birthmarks and moles do not require treatment and can be safely monitored. Removal or intervention may be considered if:
Management depends on the type of lesion, its behaviour, and individual circumstances.
Options may include:
Treatment decisions are guided by clinical findings and discussed carefully to set appropriate expectations.
No. Most moles are benign and do not cause problems. Medical review helps identify which lesions require monitoring.
Yes. Some birthmarks may change gradually, especially during childhood or adolescence. Sudden or unexpected changes should be assessed.
Removal is not always necessary. Decisions are based on clinical features, symptoms, and individual risk factors.
While many birthmarks and moles are harmless, changes can sometimes be subtle and difficult to assess without medical training. A dermatology consultation focuses on clarifying whether a lesion is benign, whether monitoring is sufficient, and whether removal is recommended for medical or practical reasons.
A consultation with Dr Laura Hui allows for careful assessment and discussion of appropriate next steps.
