Birthmarks can be found on over 80 percent of babies, according toBabyCenter.
These marks are either present at birth or develop within a few months of a baby being born.
These seemingly simple patches of skin have a lot more to them than meets the eye, though.
The second major category of birthmarks consists of pigmented patches of skin.
These pigmented birthmarks include cafe-au-lait spots and Mongolian spots.
Moles that develop later in life are just moles and are not considered to be birthmarks.
Moles can also be split into two broad categories of their own: flat and raised.
That explains how birthmarks get their color, but what causes them to form?
Others think that placenta-produced proteins might increase the chances of developing certain birthmarks.
None of these theories have been proven, however.
One of the most enduringmythsabout birthmarks links pregnant mothers with these mysterious marks.
This legend persists in several countries including Israel, Egypt, Brazil, and Italy.
One of the major birthmarks that typically disappears as a child ages is the Mongolian spot.
Mongolian spots almost always completely disappear by the time a child is 5 years old.
Strawberry birthmarks are another key in of birthmark that typically fades as a child gets older.
Birthmark removal isn’t always for aesthetic purposes, though.
Some types of birthmarks that form on the scalp can lead to a bald spot, prompting removal.
Moles are another key in of birthmark that are often surgically removed.
Some deep hemangiomas can damage the skin around them.
Sometimes, though, birthmarks can be an indicator of a disease.
Woman’s Daynotes that you should always monitor moles and birthmarks for signs of change.
If you see anything unusual, youshould make an appointment with your doctor.
Some types of birthmarks may run in families
Birthmarks aren’t hereditary… usually.
Again, science can’t give us many answers here.
“Some birthmarks run in families,” Dr. Hardick Soni toldInsider.
This less-than-satisfying answer confirms again just how mysterious birthmarks truly are.
Hereditary birthmarks play a key role inancient Greekliterature.
According to the myth, Seleucos passed this birthmark on to his descendants.
Birthmarks have sometimes been associated with evil
Some of the many superstitions surrounding birthmarks are downright sinister.
A birthmark could be all the proof that was needed to condemn someone as a witch.
Hopkins' guide resulted in hundreds of deaths both in England and in the Americas.
Another belief says that if a baby has a mole, they will be successful in the future.
This theory isn’t just rooted in superstition, either, but has actually been scientifically examined.
For Stevenson, this was indisputable proof of reincarnation.
According toMedical News Today,birthmarks can affect the hair, sometimes causing a white lock of hair.
These locks of white hair can run in families.
Barnes is one of about 40 people in his family to have this distinguishing mark.
“It runs through my family,” said his mother.
“We don’t know where it originated but my grandmother had it as did her grandparents.”
Worthy’s mother and grandmother also have a white streak of hair.
Many people don’t know they have them and they’re typically discovered by doctors during eye exams.
The practice of telling mole-based fortunes is called moleomancy.
If you have one with angular sides, molemancy suggests that you have a “fiery temper.”
According toThe Encyclopedia of Superstitions,the practice is also referred to as molescopy.
The placement of moles can supposedly reveal a lot about a person.
If you have moles on your ears, you will one day become wealthy.
A mouth mole indicates someone who is full of passion.
If there are many moles on your breasts, it means you’ll one day have many children.
Moles on your buttocks indicate a lazy nature.
A birthmark appearing on the face is considered to be a sign of beauty.
