Birthmarks, or nevi, are small pigmented formations on the skin that can appear on a person's body throughout their life.

Their quantity and characteristics can depend on a multitude of factors, including genetics, UV exposure, and changes within the body. However, in folk beliefs, the emergence of new birthmarks is often associated with fateful events and signs from above.

Let’s explore why new birthmarks actually appear and what folk wisdom says about it.

Scientific Reasons for the Appearance of New Birthmarks

  1. Genetic predisposition
    If parents have many birthmarks, there is a high likelihood that their children will also have a similar number of pigmented spots. Genetics plays a crucial role in the formation of nevi, determining their size, shape, and predisposition to change.

  2. Hormonal changes
    Hormones significantly influence the body, and during periods of hormonal restructuring (puberty, pregnancy, menopause), more birthmarks may appear. Endocrine changes stimulate melanocytes – the cells responsible for producing the pigment melanin.

  3. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation
    Sunlight activates melanin production, which is responsible for tanning and the formation of birthmarks. When skin is subjected to prolonged sun exposure without adequate protection, new nevi may appear, and existing ones may darken or increase in size.

  4. Age-related skin changes
    Although birthmarks most commonly form in childhood and adolescence, new formations can also occur in adults. With age, skin becomes more susceptible to various changes, including the appearance of new pigmented spots.

  5. Immune processes
    Certain diseases, a weakened immune system, or stress can affect skin condition and provoke the appearance of new nevi. Sometimes they form after viral infections or inflammatory processes.

Folk Signs and Beliefs

In folk culture, the appearance of birthmarks has long been associated with special signs of fate. Various traditions interpret their emergence in different ways, but they are most often associated with luck, fateful events, or even reincarnation.

  1. For luck and prosperity. It was believed that new birthmarks, especially when they appear in prominent places, bring happiness and success to a person. In some cultures, people would intentionally draw birthmarks on their faces to attract good fortune.

  2. Signs of fate. The emergence of a birthmark on the right side of the body could be interpreted as a good omen, while on the left – as a warning of trials. Some fortune-tellers and palmists believed that the location of birthmarks could reveal information about a person's past and future.

  3. Sign from ancestors. In some folk beliefs, the appearance of a new birthmark was associated with a message from ancestors or protection from higher powers. This was especially true if the birthmark appeared unexpectedly and in a place where it had not been before.

  4. Birthmarks as a map of life. There is a belief that each birthmark carries information about a person's character and destiny. For example, a birthmark on the forehead is a sign of intelligent and gifted individuals, on the hands – a symbol of hard work, and on the feet – a predisposition to travel.

When to Pay Attention to New Birthmarks

While the appearance of new birthmarks is usually a normal process, sometimes they can signal health issues. If a birthmark changes color, shape, begins to grow rapidly, or bleeds, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist to rule out the risk of malignant changes.