Vascular birthmarks like angel kisses and pigmented birthmarks like Mongolian blue spots can both be treated to reduce their appearance. There are a variety of treatment options available, ranging from surgical excision to noninvasive light treatments. It’s important to consult with a dermatologist to determine the best treatment option for your individual needs.
Обзор
Birthmarks are common skin discolorations present at birth or shortly thereafter. While some people embrace their birthmarks as unique features, others may seek removal for aesthetic reasons or due to discomfort. Understanding the types of birthmarks, their causes, and the available treatments can help in making informed decisions about birthmark removal.
What are Birthmarks?
Birthmarks are skin discolorations that are present at the time of birth or within a few weeks afterward. They are often confused with moles, but the two are not the same. While a mole can be present at birth and thus be considered a birthmark, most people develop moles throughout their lives that were not present at birth.
Birthmarks can occur anywhere on the body, including the head and face. They vary significantly in shape, size, and color. Some birthmarks grow larger and become more noticeable over time, while others fade away completely. While generally harmless, birthmarks can sometimes indicate underlying medical conditions.
There are two primary classifications of birthmarks: vascular and pigmented. Vascular birthmarks are caused by changes in blood vessels, resulting in pink, red, or purple marks. Pigmented birthmarks are caused by clusters of pigmented skin cells called melanocytes, leading to brown or black marks.
Признаки и симптомы
Birthmarks can appear in various colors, sizes, and shapes. They can be black, dark brown, tan, flesh-toned, red, purple, pink, or even blue. They can be smooth and flat or raised and rough to the touch. Most birthmarks cause no pain or discomfort, but any that ooze, bleed, change in size or color, or cause pain should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Birthmarks in Babies
Birthmarks in babies are common, with more than 10% of newborns having some type of vascular birthmark, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Some birthmarks are barely noticeable, while others are more prominent. Some naturally fade over time, while others are permanent without medical intervention.
Сосудистые родимые пятна
Vascular birthmarks are caused by an excess of blood vessels under the skin. The most common types of vascular birthmarks are:
Angel Kisses
Also called stork bites or salmon patches, these small pink or red spots often appear on the eyelids, back of the neck, or between the eyes. They are harmless and often fade with age.
Пятна от портвейна
These birthmarks, also known as nevus flammeus, are caused by abnormal growth patterns of blood vessels. They are most common on the face and neck but can occur anywhere on the body. Initially pink or red, they often turn dark purple over time. Port-wine stains do not fade and may become more prominent with age.
Клубничные гемангиомы
These bright red, rubbery birthmarks typically develop within the first few weeks of life and are not usually present at birth. They start as flat pink or red spots and grow quickly during the first year. Many hemangiomas fade with age, and some children have lost them completely by age 10. They are most common on the face, head, neck, hands, and feet.
Пигментированные родимые пятна
Pigmented birthmarks are caused by an overabundance of melanin, the skin pigment that darkens with sun exposure. Types of pigmented birthmarks include:
Врожденный меланоцитарный невус (ВМН)
These moles are present at birth and can be temporary or permanent. Most nevi are harmless but should be monitored for changes that might indicate skin cancer.
Монгольские голубые пятна
These flat, blue-grey birthmarks often appear on the lower back or buttocks of young children and usually fade by the age of four.
Кафе с молоком
Named for their light brown color, these birthmarks have irregular borders and darken with sun exposure. While generally harmless, multiple café au lait spots can indicate neurofibromatosis, a rare genetic disorder.
Birthmarks with Hair: Reason for Concern?
A popular myth suggests that birthmarks with hair growing from them are more likely to be cancerous, but this is not true. Healthy birthmarks and moles can have hair growing from them, indicating that the cells are healthy and noncancerous. It is safe to remove hair growing from a birthmark or mole.
The Myth of a Mother Causing a “Birth Stain”
An old wives’ tale suggests that birthmarks are caused by a mother not satisfying food cravings during pregnancy. For instance, a strawberry hemangioma could be caused by the mother not eating strawberries when she craved them. This myth has no scientific basis. Birthmarks are not caused by anything the mother eats or drinks during pregnancy.
Removing Birthmarks
While most birthmarks are harmless, they can sometimes increase the risk of disease or detract from appearance. Several treatments are available for those seeking removal:
Светотерапия
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy degrades abnormal blood vessels and pigment cells causing some birthmarks. It helps reduce the appearance of both vascular and pigmented birthmarks, though it may not be effective for everyone and may require multiple treatments.
Лазерная шлифовка
Laser resurfacing can diminish both vascular and pigmented birthmarks using ablative or non-ablative fractional lasers. Ablative lasers are more invasive but produce greater results. This technique breaks apart pigment cells or blood vessels that cause birthmarks.
Surgical Birthmark Removal
Surgical removal includes shave excision, punch excision, and traditional surgical excision. These procedures permanently remove the tissue that makes up the birthmark. Surgical removal is the only known permanent treatment for both vascular and pigmented birthmarks.
Заключение
Vascular and pigmented birthmarks are usually harmless but can cause cosmetic concerns. DIY products claiming to diminish birthmarks often produce minimal results and can be dangerous if the birthmark is precancerous. The only proven way to safely and effectively remove a birthmark is through surgical excision. Techniques like IPL and laser resurfacing can also be effective, though multiple treatments may be necessary. Consult with a dermatologist to discuss the best options for birthmark removal based on your specific needs.
