While far less commonly noted at birth than red birthmarks, white birthmarks can appear as white spots in a raised or flat pattern on the skin. Dr. Friedlander noted that although white birthmarks are generally harmless, they can sometimes result in a permanent loss of pigmentation in the affected area.

Are white birthmarks hereditary?

Are birthmarks genetic? Some birthmarks are hereditary and run in families but most aren't. Very occasionally, some are caused by gene mutations. For example, some babies born with port-wine stains have a rare condition called Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.

What is the rarest birthmark color?

Port wine stain birthmarks are the rarest (less than 1 percent of people are born with them) and occur because the capillaries in the skin are wider than they should be.