‘It’s just a birthmark; ignore it!’ This statement you would have heard many times about the various marks on the body. Birthmarks come in different shapes and sizes, textures and placements, and are unique to each other. If you are a new parent, you might not be sure what to do with these birthmarks, or if you have a noticeable one on your body, it can be uncomfortable or embarrassing. Most people try to cover birthmarks with makeup or clothes.
The truth is that birthday marks are very common, and almost everybody has one of them, and some even have many. They are generally harmless; many fade away or are barely noticeable as the child grows up and do not need any treatments. But if the birthmarks are in large numbers or growing in size or clusters, then it is time to contact a dermatologist for a check-up and treatment.
Birthmarks are varied marks or discolorations on the body. They can be raised or flat, have regular or irregular corners and borders, and have different shapes and shades of colors, such as black, pink, blue, red, purple, tan, black, or brown. Researchers and doctors need to find out what causes these marks to appear on the body. There is still no guideline about if we can prevent them by doing something or not doing something during pregnancy. They cannot be attributed to genetics, as every child has a different birthmark. There are many different kinds of birthmarks, and there is no prediction about which birthmark will appear and where.
There are two kinds of birthmarks, namely pigmented and vascular birthmarks, which are qualified into further different types.
They are colored birthmarks, and the pigment determines the color of the skin. They are caused when people have more pigment in one part of the skin. Pigmented birthmarks are of the following types.
Mole birthmark is a cause of concern when they are found in large numbers at birth as it indicates excess pigment cells in the central nervous system. If not treated, these can cause pressure and seizures in the brain.
They are hardly likely to become cancerous, but regular check-ups are necessary. If the doctors notice changes in the birthmark, they might recommend surgical removal. This is usually common in adolescents because of the changing hormones. It also increases the chances of skin cancer developing.
If the child has more than six Café-au-lait spots or they are larger than a dime-sized coin, then it can be a cause of neurofibromatosis, and the dermatologist might ask for extra testing.
These birthmarks are formed because of the clumping of blood vessels, which can be seen under the skin. They are usually red-colored and can be raised or flat. Some of them are small, and some can grow to cover large areas of skin. Vascular birthmarks can be present during the birth or develop a few weeks after the baby is born. They are of the following types.
When they are large or leave behind an abnormal skin texture or rippled skin, red-pigmented skin, sometimes they can cause a problem because of their raised surface and interfere with feeding, breathing, cause problems in breathing or other body functions. When strawberry Hemangiomas are present at a body opening or body fold, they can open sores and cause blood or pus. Another indication that needs treatment is when the birthmarks grow in a beard pattern around the child’s mouth, chin or one side of the face. Children with such pattern hemangioma birthmarks on the skin also risk having them on organs or other places inside the body, making treatment a necessity.
Port wine stains can develop around the eyes and cause problems. In such cases, the doctor might recommend tests like MRI to ensure they don’t cause further issues such as Sturge-Weber syndrome, which can cause a high risk of glaucoma, seizures, etc.
The doctor will check the child for birthmarks when he or she is born and advise treatment if necessary. If the birthmark feels hard, has pain, causes discomfort on the skin, bleeds, feels warm to touch, itches, or looks infected, then it is time to visit the dermatologist immediately. Changes in the birthmarks’ number, size, texture, and color should also be observed carefully. Generally, pigmented birthmarks don’t need treatment, and vascular birthmarks often need treatment.
Birthmarks can be disfiguring for children and cause them to feel less about themselves. But most birthmarks can be treated easily with various treatment options. These include
Propranolol for treatment of haemangioma. This can reduce the size and discolor the birthmark. This is also effective if it is located in the airway or near the eyes or mouth or is causing disruption in breathing or for just cosmetic reasons.
Timolol to apply on the birthmark. They are also mainly used to shrink and fade the hemangioma.
The cost of birthmark removal varies with many factors, such as the shape and size of the birthmark, the type of birthmark, and the location of the birthmark. Depending on all this, the surgeon will decide the kind of treatment needed to remove birthmarks. Birthmark removal cost also depends on the dermatologist’s expertise and the location of the clinic.
While most birthmarks do not require any surgical or medical intervention, most children and even adults can easily go through their life without being bothered. This is because birthmarks are unique, and there is no need to be embarrassed by them. However, if the child is self-conscious about the size or location of the birthmark, then it is better to take advice from a reputable dermatologist for the proper treatment.
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