Birthmark

A birthmark is a mark on skin that some people are born with. In dermatology, there are two types of birthmarks: pigmented birthmarks and vascular birthmarks. Pigmented birthmarks are caused 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.

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

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.^{[dubious ]}