My Baby Has a Streaky or Velvety Raised Birthmark (Epidermal Nevus)

My Baby Has a Waxy Yellowish Patch on Their Scalp (Nevus Sebaceous)

A nevus sebaceous (also called nevus sebaceous of Jadassohn) is a benign birthmark that typically appears on the scalp as a flat or slightly raised, yellowish-orange, waxy or velvety patch where hair does not grow. It is present at birth and occurs in about 0.3% of newborns. During childhood, it remains relatively flat and inconspicuous. At puberty, it becomes thicker and more noticeable due to hormonal stimulation. There is a small risk (historically overstated) of developing benign or rarely malignant tumors within the nevus later in life, so monitoring and potential removal are discussed with your dermatologist.

My Baby Has a Vascular Malformation (Port-Wine Stain or Deeper)

Vascular malformations are structural abnormalities of blood vessels or lymph vessels that are present at birth (though some become apparent later). Unlike hemangiomas, which grow rapidly and then shrink, vascular malformations grow proportionally with the child and do not go away on their own. They are classified by the type of vessel involved: capillary (port-wine stains), venous, lymphatic, or arteriovenous. Most are benign and manageable, but the approach depends on the type, location, and whether associated conditions are present (such as Sturge-Weber syndrome with facial port-wine stains).

My Baby Has a Bump Near Their Eye or on Their Head (Dermoid Cyst)

A dermoid cyst is a benign (non-cancerous) growth that is present at birth, though it may not be noticed right away. It forms during fetal development when skin cells become trapped beneath the surface. Dermoid cysts commonly appear near the eyebrow (most common location), on the scalp, or at the bridge of the nose. They typically feel like a firm, non-tender, round lump that does not move much. While they are not dangerous, dermoid cysts do not resolve on their own and are usually removed surgically to prevent complications like infection or growth.

My Baby Has an Extra Nipple (Accessory Nipple)

Accessory (supernumerary) nipples are one of the most common minor congenital findings, occurring in about 1 in 18 people. They appear as small, flat, often pigmented bumps along the "milk line" — an embryonic line running from the armpit to the groin on each side. Most people mistake them for moles. Accessory nipples are almost always harmless and require no treatment. In rare cases, they may be associated with kidney abnormalities, so some pediatricians recommend a renal ultrasound if one is found, though this practice varies.

My Baby Was Born with a Raw Spot on Their Scalp (Aplasia Cutis)

Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a condition where a baby is born with a small area of missing skin, most commonly on the scalp. It occurs in about 1 in 10,000 births. The affected area may look like a raw wound, an ulcer, or may have already healed into a thin, shiny scar by the time of birth. Most cases are small, isolated, and heal well with basic wound care — the area eventually forms a hairless scar. Larger defects or those associated with other findings may need more investigation, but isolated small ACC has an excellent prognosis.

New Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) in Children

Treatment for atopic dermatitis in children has advanced significantly in recent years. While moisturizers and topical steroids remain first-line treatments, newer options include non-steroidal topical medications (like crisaborole), biologic therapies (like dupilumab, approved for children 6 months and older), and JAK inhibitors. Most children's eczema is well-managed with basic skin care and mild topical treatments, but these newer options provide hope for moderate-to-severe cases.