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A birthmark is a benign irregularity on the skin which is present at birth or appears shortly after birth, usually in the first month. They can occur anywhere on the skin. Birthmarks are caused by overgrowth of blood vessels, melanocytes, smooth muscle, fat, fibroblasts, or keratinocytes.
Birthmarks may be “natural”, but for many people they can be seen as anything from an unwanted blemish to a soul-sapping scar that leaves you lacking in confidence. Fortunately, modern technology can remove or reduce the impact of birthmarks in a safe and effective manner.
Birthmarks are simply a discoloration of the skin that can have a variety of causes including an unusual grouping of blood vessels or a localized excess of the pigmentation that gives skin its color. Laser treatment can be suitable for all of these types of birthmark, though some may require longer courses of treatment than others.
Getting laser treatment can be a big step, and for this reason it’s best to only deal with reputable and responsible clinics where staff are happy and willing to book a consultation to talk over the options and help you decide what, if any treatment is right for you.
Dermatologists divide birthmarks into two types. Pigmented birthmarks caused by excess skin pigment cells include moles, café au lait spots, and Mongolian spots. Vascular birthmarks (also called red birthmarks) are caused by increased blood vessels and include macular stains (salmon patches), hemangiomas, and Port-wine stains. A little over 1 in 10 babies have a vascular birthmark present by age 1. Several birthmark types are part of the group of skin lesions known as nevi or naevi, which means “birthmarks” in Latin.
Laser treatment may sound severe but is actually very sophisticated. It involves using a customized light wave that is right for the specific coloration of the birthmark, a little like broadcasting sound at a particular frequency. Over the course of several treatments, the laser breaks down the coloration so that the mark fades and blends in with the surrounding skin, without leaving any scars.
While perfectly safe, laser treatment can be a little uncomfortable, though not intolerably so. Wherever necessary, anesthetic cream can be applied before treatment to minimize any discomfort that may arise.
There can be some minor side effects such as bruising, though these aren’t long-lasting. It’s also generally best to avoid strong sunlight (or at least use high SPF sun cream) and steers clear of tanning beds in the months immediately after treatment.
The exact cause of most birthmarks is unknown, but vascular birthmarks are not hereditary. They are thought to occur as a result of a localized imbalance in factors controlling the development and migration of skin cells.
Moles occur when cells in the skin grow in a cluster instead of being spread throughout the skin. These cells are called melanocytes, and they make the pigment that gives skin its natural color. Moles may darken after exposure to the sun, during the teen years, and during pregnancy.