Also called red birthmarks, are caused by abnormal blood vessels in or under the skin, and include macular stains (salmon patches), hemangiomas, and port-wine stains.

Vascular birthmarks are one of the most common types of birthmarks and can be found in all areas of the body. They do not tend to fade or disappear over time.

• Port wine stain (capillary malformation birthmarks): Port wine stain appears as wine-coloured patches on the skin. They are caused by abnormal blood vessels and can vary in size. They most commonly occur on the face, back and chest, but can appear anywhere on the body. Most port wine stain birthmarks are permanent and can become more prominent as the years go by.
• Strawberry marks (infantile haemangiomas): Strawberry marks are raised, mole-like, pink, red or purple birthmarks. They get their name because of their texture and colour. They are relatively common, affecting around 5% of newborn babies. They usually disappear by the time the child reaches the age of seven, but will first become bigger before they shrink and eventually fade away completely. Some strawberry marks may require birthmark removal treatment; speak to a GP if you are concerned.
• Salmon patch birthmarks: Salmon patches are the most common type of vascular birthmark. They appear as faint pink or red patches usually on a baby’s face or neck after birth. Salmon patches tend to fade after a few months, but some may take a few years to disappear completely.