What name is given to a birthmark that often affects babies, such as strawberry naevi?

Prepare for the ITEC Anatomy and Physiology Exam - Skin. Equip yourself with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations to ensure your success.

The term "naevae" refers specifically to a variety of pigmented lesions that can occur on the skin, including birthmarks. This term encompasses different types of birthmarks, one of the most recognizable being the strawberry naevus, which appears as a raised, red mark on an infant's skin. These types of markings are a result of clusters of blood vessels close to the skin's surface, often developing shortly after birth and usually fading over time.

In contrast, Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra is a condition characterized by small, dark lesions typically found in individuals with darker skin tones, while moles (papillomas) refer more broadly to pigmented skin growths that can occur throughout life and are generally not the same as the typically transient strawberry naevi. Vitiligo, on the other hand, is a skin condition that results in the loss of pigmentation, leading to white patches on the skin, which is not relevant to the concept of birthmarks commonly seen in infants. Thus, naevae is the most accurate name for the specific type of birthmark indicated in the question.

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