What causes red marks on a newborn's face at birth?

Red marks on a newborn's face may be due to birth trauma, vascular nevi, or pathological moles.
1. Birth Trauma Marks
Prolonged pressure in the womb can impair facial blood circulation, resulting in birth trauma marks. These marks are typically pink or dark red, sometimes slightly raised, and may temporarily change color when pressed. Such marks usually fade spontaneously, though the timeline varies among individuals; most gradually diminish within about two months.
2. Vascular Nevus
A vascular nevus has well-defined borders and often appears bright red or dark red. It results from abnormal blood vessel development during embryonic stages and is visible at birth. The nevus may enlarge initially, then stabilize in size, and typically disappears before the age of 10. If it persists, laser treatment can be used for improvement.
3. Pathological Mole
Red marks on a newborn’s face might also be moles caused by underlying diseases, commonly associated with retinal disorders or intracranial conditions. These lesions are usually red or purplish-red, do not blanch under pressure, cause no pain, and do not resolve spontaneously. Prompt evaluation at a reputable medical facility is necessary to identify the underlying cause, with timely intervention as needed, including possible surgical excision and regular follow-up examinations.