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A birthmark is a skin mark that is present at birth or appears shortly after. They can be found on any part of the body, and they can range greatly in texture, color, shape, and size. Most birthmarks are not serious and do not need treatment or care. However, some birthmarks may change later in life or be cosmetically undesirable.
Knowing the types of birthmarks will help you to identify their features and determine if they need professional evaluation. People who are worried about birthmark appearance may consult a qualified aesthetic or medical professional for the treatment options to look into at JJ Aesthetics. This blog has Common Types of Birthmarks Explained, so keep reading to know about it.
What does Birthmark Mean?
A birthmark is an area of skin that is different in color or texture from the rest of the skin. There are some birthmarks that are seen from birth and others that appear after birth during infancy or childhood. There are two major types of birthmarks:
- Vascular birthmarks
- Pigmented birthmarks
The majority of birthmarks are non-cancerous. But some birthmarks need to be watched for changes in their appearance.
Common Types of Birthmarks:
Port-Wine Stains:
A port-wine stain is a type of vascular birthmark, typically a flat, pink, red, or dark reddish patch on the skin. It’s due to wider blood vessels near the skin’s surface. Port-wine stains are usually congenital and are unlikely to fade spontaneously. They can get darker and thicker as they age.
Some port-wine stains may be treated by Laser Therapy in Islamabad to lessen the color and visibility. More than one session may be needed and the effect will depend upon the size, location, and depth of the birthmark.
Strawberry Hemangiomas:
Strawberry hemangioma, or infantile hemangioma, is a raised birthmark made up of blood vessels which can be bright red or reddish purple. These birthmarks can change in size quickly during the first months of life and then decrease over time. Most hemangiomas fade considerably in color and size.
While most hemangiomas are harmless and don’t need treatment, a doctor may suggest an evaluation if the birthmark interferes with vision, breathing feeding or other critical functions.
Café-au-Lait Spots:
Café-au-lait spots are light brown or tan patches that are flat. They can occur at birth or in early childhood. One spot of café-au-lait is typically not a cause for concern. Multiple spots however sometimes are linked to some genetic diseases. If needed a Skin Care Specialist in Islamabad can determine the number size and appearance of these marks.
Mongolian Spots:
Medically Mongolian spots are called congenital dermal melanocytosis which is a flat blue-gray or slate colored pigmentation. They are often found on the lower back or bottom but can be found elsewhere. These are normally non-threatening and will go away on their own as a child grows. They generally are not treated.
Congenital Moles:
Congenital melanocytic nevi are moles that are present at birth. These can be small patches or larger areas of dark skin.
The vast majority of congenital moles are harmless. But if the mole is bigger or unusual it will need to be seen by a dermatologist regularly. If size, color , shape or texture is seen to change it is important to see a medical professional.
Salmon Patches:
Salmon patches are also called “stork bites” or “angel kisses” and are flat pink or reddish patches that are common vascular birthmarks. These are often located on the forehead, eyelids , nose , upper lip or back of the neck. Most will fade out as the child grows but some may not.
Café-au-Lait Macules:
Pigmented patches of brown colouration are also called café-au-lait macules. They come in various shades of light beige to darker brown. The spots are typically not harmful but if there are numerous café-au-lait spots or the café-au-lait spots are combined with other clinical symptoms then a medical evaluation is advisable.
Spider Angiomas:
A small red vascular lesion with small blood vessels extending from a central point is called a spider angioma. While not always considered a birthmark similar vascular anomalies can develop in childhood or adulthood. Laser or other vascular procedures may be used to treat some if they are cosmetically disturbing.
Causes of Birthmark:
The exact cause of many birthmarks is not fully understood. They can occur due to any of the following:
- Developmental defects of the blood vessels
- Groups of color-producing tissues
- Genetic factors
- Developing changes
- Melanin accumulates in certain parts of the body
Are Birthmarks Dangerous?
The majority of birthmarks are not harmful and cause no health issues. Other marks may need medical evaluation or supervision however. Talk to a dermatologist if a birthmark:
- Quickly fluctuates in size or colour
- Often it becomes painful and itchy.
- Starts bleeding or developing a sore
- Changes significantly in texture
- Looks or grows strangely or in unexpected ways
- Is related to other concerning symptoms
Birthmark Removal Treatment in Islamabad:
This will depend on the kind of birthmark, how big it is, where it is, how deep in the skin it is and the colour. Some birthmarks will go away without treatment; others may last a lifetime. Treatment might involve:
Laser Treatment:
Some vascular and pigmented birthmarks are regularly treated using laser therapy. The laser focuses on the specific structures that give the mark its colour; it causes less damage to the adjacent skin.
Surgical Removal:
Some moles or birthmarks might be surgically removed when there is a medical reason or if there is a cosmetic reason. Surgery is usually only recommended on a case-by-case basis.
Birthmark Treatment at JJ Aesthetics:
Patients who have visible birthmarks or are worried about them can get professional advice on how to treat them from JJ Aesthetics. The first step is the evaluation of the birthmark to be able to determine its characteristics and decide if it is suitable for aesthetic treatment.
Treatment depends on the type and diagnosis of birthmark may include laser therapy or further medical assessment. Cosmetic concerns can be balanced with patient safety through a personalised treatment plan.
Final Thoughts:
Most birthmarks are harmless but if there is a change in appearance, do not ignore it. If you have concerns about a birthmark or want to discuss cosmetic treatments a consultation with a professional will give you more information for your specific condition.
