What causes birthmarks? Kuya Kim explains

Birthmarks used to be hidden by many people who have them, but now showing them off has been in vogue on TikTok.

Ever wondered what causes birthmarks to appear on some people?

According to Kuya Kim on "24 Oras," Friday, no one really knows exactly why birthmarks appear, but some of them are hereditary.

Red birthmarks are caused by blood vessel overgrowth, while blue or green birthmarks are caused by melanocytes or pigment cells.

Birthmarks are generally harmless, but some of them can lead to medical conditions.

Meanwhile, is it true that birthmarks are signs of good or bad luck? Not really.

"Filipinos do not like difference. We want sameness. You could create stories about people with bad luck, marked by the demon, just to explain why this person is different," said Prof. Enrico Baula, a sociologist.

The International Day of Awareness for Vascular Birthmarks is observed on May 15.

—MGP, GMA News