Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month is observed every year in the month of March in the U.S. It is a holiday that brings awareness and promotes support and recognition for those born with birthmarks. Most of us, at some point in our lives, must have encountered someone with a birthmark. Even though half of the population has them in different shapes, sizes, and colors, people usually get bullied, and that’s a common concern. This holiday helps to show people who have birthmarks that they are understood.
History of Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month
Birthmarks are quite common among people around the world. Depending on their location on the body, some marks are not visible to other people, and others are. It is estimated that about half of all babies are born with a Stork Bite birthmark. A birthmark is a discoloration on the skin that feels the same as any other skin on the body.
Strawberry marks are a type of vascular birthmark commonly seen in young children. They form during the first weeks of someone’s life and finish their growth by the time the person reaches 10 years of age. Port-Wine Stain is another common kind of Vascular Birthmark. It results from the nerve supply to the blood vessels that are absent or deficient. The vast majority of birthmarks are completely harmless to people who have them. They cannot be transferred to other people and cause no harm to others. They are an occurrence that can be a beautiful and iconic part of a person’s appearance.
Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month helps to prevent bullying and shaming of people with birthmarks. The U.C.S.F. Birthmarks & Vascular Anomalies Center was established in 1991 to look for patients with vascular growth. Patients with Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome — as well as those diagnosed with lymphangioma, cavernous hemangioma, glomangioma, Proteus Syndrome, and other vascular anomalies — are also included in the organization’s care. Patients can see a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, interventional radiologist, dermatologic surgeon, and otolaryngologist.
Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month timeline
International Workshop for the Study of Vascular Anomalies holds its meetings in Boston.
The Birthmark and Vascular Anomaly Center is established to serve as a resource for medics and patients who have vascular tissues.
The Vascular Birthmark Foundation is established for researching and writing information on vascular birthmarks.
With the establishment of UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, accurate diagnosis of Vascular Anomalies becomes easier.
Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month FAQs
How are venous malformations identified?
Venous malformations are usually identified later in life. The symptoms can be triggered by an injury, or physiological changes, such as puberty or pregnancy.
What are lymphatic malformations?
Lymphatic malformations form when the lymphatic vessels carry lymphatic fluid and white blood cells outside the arteries and veins.
Where are arteriovenous malformations found?
Arteriovenous malformations can be found anywhere in the body. They are usually found in the brain, spinal cord, and extremities.
How to Observe Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month
Share the holiday
You can share the holiday to help raise awareness for birthmarks and people who have them. You can share the holiday in person or online.
Make a donation
You can donate to organizations promoting care for vascular anomalies. It can go a long way to help someone.
Do some research
You can learn more about vascular anomalies so you can understand them better. You’ll enjoy learning some new facts.
5 Interesting Facts About Vascula Malformations
The abnormal development of veins
People have vascular malformations, which are abnormal development of blood vessels.
The common vascular malformations
The most common vascular malformations are venous malformations.
Malformations are found in the veins
Vascular malformations might be found in the large arteries and veins, in smaller vessels called arterioles and venules.
Vascular malformations happen anywhere
Vascular malformations can occur anywhere in the body.
Syptoms can be minimized
The treatment of vascular anomalies aims to minimize symptoms.
Why Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month is Important
It creates awareness
The holiday helps to spread useful information about vascular anomalies to the general public. It makes sure that people are better informed about them.
It stops bullying
The holiday aims at stopping the bullying of people who have vascular anomalies. It is not right that they should endure this treatment for something that is beyond their control.
It promotes confidence
People with vascular anomalies can connect and understand that they are not alone. Knowing that many people have them helps to raise people’s confidence.
Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | March 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | March 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | March 1 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | March 1 | Thursday |
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