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International Vascular Birthmarks Awareness Day

Understand the origins of vascular birthmarks, and help get rid of any stigma and misunderstandings that have to do with these very common birthmarks.

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Partner with healthcare providers and nonprofits to destigmatize vascular birthmarks through awareness campaigns, fundraising events, and educational content targeting parents and workplace communities.

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Workplace dress-down fundraiser tied to VBF donations and educational briefings
Parent-focused educational content debunking myths about vascular birthmarks and treatment options
Employee resource group spotlights: stories from families navigating diagnosis and care
Healthcare provider partnerships promoting specialist access and early intervention awareness

History

Once upon a time, a spark of inspiration led to the creation of this meaningful day. It began with a mother’s love and a bright red birthmark.

In 1994, Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon founded the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation after her daughter was born with a hemangioma. At the time, there was very little information or support available for families facing similar situations. She decided to change that.

Her efforts helped shift the conversation from uncertainty to empowerment—providing accurate information, access to specialists, and a supportive community. For many families, discovering a birthmark can be emotionally complex.

Loved ones may offer well-intentioned but unhelpful advice, strangers may stare, and the healthcare system can feel confusing. This organization created a clearer path with education, physician networks, and meaningful support.

In 2004, the first International Vascular Birthmarks Awareness Day was officially recognized by the U.S. Congress, following advocacy from the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation.

This recognition helped highlight that vascular birthmarks deserve attention not only for appearance-related concerns but also for potential medical needs. It also reinforced a broader message: individuals with visible differences should not carry the burden of educating others alone. Public awareness helps share that responsibility.

Over time, the day has grown into a broader movement. It brings together individuals with vascular birthmarks, families, healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, and supporters. This connection is essential because vascular birthmarks exist at the intersection of health and everyday life—affecting medical decisions as well as social interactions, school experiences, and daily routines.

As knowledge about vascular anomalies has advanced, so has the conversation around treatment. Options vary depending on the condition, location, and symptoms. Some people are simply monitored, while others may use medications like beta blockers for certain hemangiomas.

Some choose laser therapy for capillary malformations, while others may need procedures such as sclerotherapy or surgery. There is no single solution, and this day promotes informed choices and compassionate care.

This is a day that not only spreads awareness but also surrounds those with vascular birthmarks with global support and understanding. What started as one mother’s journey has become a worldwide movement.

This transformation from a personal story to an international awareness day is truly inspiring. It shows the impact one person can have. Each year, the message remains clear: people are more than a diagnosis, more than a visible mark, and more than the questions they face. They are whole, unique, and deserving of respect.

International Vascular Birthmarks Awareness Day is more than a date; it is a symbol of hope and a call for acceptance and understanding.

How to celebrate

Show Your Colors

Wear a sticker that speaks volumes. The Vascular Birthmarks Foundation offers awareness stickers that are perfect for making a statement without saying a word. Pop one on your jacket or backpack and let it spark conversations. It’s an easy, effective way to spread the word. To make that conversation genuinely helpful, it can be useful to keep a simple explanation ready: vascular birthmarks are caused by differences in blood vessels or lymph vessels, and many are present at birth or appear shortly after. Some fade, some grow, and some change over time. A small bit of calm information can turn a curious question into a moment of empathy.

Casual for a Cause

Introduce a “Dress Down Day” at your place of work or study. Encourage folks to swap their formal attire for something more relaxed in return for a small contribution to the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation. It’s a fun way to raise funds and awareness, all while enjoying the comfort of casual wear. To add depth, pair the dress-down idea with a short, optional learning moment. A bulletin board, internal message, or brief announcement can share a few key points: not all birthmarks are the same; many vascular birthmarks are medical conditions, not cosmetic choices; and families often benefit from specialized care teams. Even a paragraph of accurate information can help coworkers, classmates, and supervisors respond with kindness when someone needs accommodations for appointments, recovery after treatment, or a child’s medical plan at school.

Digital Echo

Take to social media with your story or a supportive selfie. Using hashtags like #VascularBirthmarksAwareness can help amplify your voice worldwide. The goal? To create a wave of support and information online, reaching places you never imagined. When posting, try to focus on clarity and respect. It’s helpful to avoid “before and after” language that frames a birthmark as something that needs to be fixed. Many people seek treatment for medical reasons such as bleeding, pain, ulceration, swelling, vision obstruction, or functional concerns, while others choose not to pursue treatment at all. The most supportive approach is one that emphasizes choice, dignity, and access to proper care. It can also be impactful to share simple reminders: Ask before commenting on someone’s appearance.Teach children that curiosity is natural, but kindness should come first.If someone shares their diagnosis or treatment journey, listen and believe them.

Virtual Gathering

Organize an online meet-up. This could be a webinar with experts on vascular birthmarks, personal stories from individuals, or talks by advocates. It’s a great way to educate and connect people, no matter where they are. A strong virtual event often combines medical knowledge with real-life experiences. Vascular birthmarks fall into several categories, and understanding the basics helps prevent misinformation: Infantile hemangiomas usually appear in early infancy and may grow rapidly before slowly shrinking over time. Some need treatment, especially if they affect vital functions or ulcerate.Capillary malformations, often called port-wine stains, typically remain and may deepen in color or texture. Some people choose laser treatments to reduce redness or thickening.Venous, lymphatic, and arteriovenous malformations are structural differences in vessels that can expand, swell, or cause discomfort, often requiring specialized imaging and care. An online event can include a Q&A addressing common misconceptions, such as the belief that a birthmark is always “just cosmetic” or that all of them will fade naturally. It can also offer guidance on supportive language, school advocacy, and navigating medical care.

Creative Fundraising

Launch a creative fundraiser. Think of a bake sale with heart-shaped treats or an art auction celebrating the beauty of birthmarks. These ideas not only raise funds but also spread awareness in engaging ways. Fundraising can also be combined with community education in a positive, uplifting way. A small gallery event, craft fair, or art challenge can encourage participants to create pieces inspired by individuality, body neutrality, resilience, and community. Another idea is a “myth-busting jar,” where visitors pick a card with a common myth (like “all birthmarks are the same” or “they always disappear”), read the correct explanation, and donate a small amount. For families, fundraising can be especially meaningful when it supports real needs such as travel for specialist care, emotional support resources, or programs that connect newly diagnosed families with others who have similar experiences.

FAQ

Are vascular birthmarks the same as regular birthmarks?

Vascular birthmarks are caused by abnormal development of blood vessels in the skin, while pigmented birthmarks are due to clusters of pigment‑making cells (melanocytes). Common vascular birthmarks include infantile hemangiomas and port‑wine stains, which often appear red, purple, or pink. Pigmented birthmarks, such as café‑au‑lait spots or congenital melanocytic nevi, are usually tan, brown, or black. The two groups behave differently, have different risks, and may need different kinds of medical follow‑up. [1]

Do vascular birthmarks always need treatment, or can they be left alone?

Many vascular birthmarks, especially infantile hemangiomas, shrink on their own and never need treatment, only monitoring. Treatment is more likely to be recommended if a birthmark interferes with vital functions such as vision, breathing, or feeding, if it ulcerates and causes pain or infection, or if it is expected to leave significant disfigurement. Decisions are usually made by a multidisciplinary team that considers the child’s age, the birthmark’s type and location, and the family’s preferences.

What are the main treatment options for common vascular birthmarks?

Evidence‑based treatments for vascular birthmarks include oral or topical beta‑blockers (such as propranolol or timolol) for many infantile hemangiomas, pulsed dye laser therapy for port‑wine stains, and, in selected cases, surgery or interventional radiology procedures like embolization. The choice depends on the exact diagnosis, depth and size of the lesion, and potential impact on function and appearance, and treatment is usually coordinated through a specialist vascular anomaly or dermatology clinic.

Can a vascular birthmark be a sign of an underlying medical problem?

Most vascular birthmarks are isolated findings and do not signal internal disease. However, some can be associated with syndromes that affect the brain, eyes, spine, or other organs. For example, certain large facial port‑wine stains may be linked with Sturge–Weber syndrome, and large or segmental hemangiomas on the face or lumbosacral area can be part of PHACE or LUMBAR syndromes. Because of this, specialists may recommend imaging or additional evaluations when birthmarks are very large, numerous, in specific patterns, or accompanied by other symptoms.

How do visible vascular birthmarks affect children’s emotional well‑being?

Children with noticeable facial or body birthmarks may experience staring, teasing, or bullying, which can affect self‑esteem, social confidence, and body image. Studies suggest that the child’s emotional health often depends more on how family members, peers, and schools respond than on the size of the birthmark itself. Supportive parenting, open conversations, age‑appropriate explanations, and educating classmates can all reduce stigma and help children develop resilience and a positive self‑concept.

What should parents say when others ask about their child’s vascular birthmark?

Experts often recommend simple, neutral explanations tailored to the child’s age, such as “That is a birthmark he was born with” or “It is just a difference in the blood vessels in her skin.” Using calm, matter‑of‑fact language models confidence for the child and signals to others that the mark is not something shameful or dangerous. Parents can set boundaries if questions become intrusive and, as children grow older, involve them in choosing how much to share about their medical history.

Are vascular birthmarks preventable, and do they come from something a parent did during pregnancy?

Current research indicates that vascular birthmarks are not caused by anything a parent did or did not do during pregnancy, and there is no known way to prevent them. They are thought to arise from complex interactions in how blood vessels form before birth, sometimes involving genetic and environmental factors that are not under parental control. Health organizations emphasize that parents should not blame themselves and instead focus on appropriate evaluation and, if needed, treatment and emotional support.