By Hadley Gavin
Birthmarks tend to differ based on size and location, with most only affecting the appearance of your skin. However, some birthmarks could be a sign of an underlying condition.
Most birthmarks are present from birth and can have an effect on your self-esteem as you grow up, particularly if it’s large or in a visible place. While most birthmarks are harmless, others can cause health issues such as hemangiomas, glaucoma and breathing difficulties.
Understanding the Types of Birthmarks
Most birthmarks are either pigmented or vascular – let’s look at these two common types.
Pigmented Birthmarks: These birthmarks can range from a pink colour to a dark brown and include general moles, Mongolian spots and café-au-lait spots. While moles are raised, pigmented birthmarks feel exactly like the skin that surrounds them.
Vascular Birthmarks: These birthmarks are the result of extra blood vessels and can sometimes fade with age. The most common type of vascular birthmark is the port wine stain, which can get worse over time.
A doctor is better qualified to tell you whether or not a birthmark is harmless and what your options are should you want to remove it. If your doctor is concerned about a birthmark, additional testing will be done to determine whether it’s the cause of an underlying health problem.
Treating and Removing Birthmarks
MIRA Clinic are laser birthmark removal specialists and while most birthmarks don’t need to be removed, many people want to get rid of them because of the effect on their appearance and self-esteem.
Oral medications and surgery are other treatment options but laser is by far the most effective and less-invasive way to remove a birthmark. In the case of children with birthmarks, oral medications are often a better choice.
If you are unsure about whether or not your birthmark can actually be removed and what treatment option is best for you, rather schedule an appointment with a qualified clinician who can assist you.
Birthmark Removal Aftercare
Birthmarks don’t generally require much aftercare unless it was surgically removed because this means that sutures and incisions are involved. If you did have a birthmark surgically removed, you will need to keep the dressings clean and apply antibiotic ointment for a few days after your surgery.
If you went the route of laser removal, there isn’t much that you will need to do after your treatment. You can expect some redness, swelling and tenderness but this won’t last much more than a week. Just make a point of being gentle with your skin and don’t expose the treated area to direct sunlight. You may also find that you need more than one treatment to see the full effects of the removal.
Regardless of the treatment option you choose, make a point of thoroughly researching the doctors and clinics in your area, ensuring that they have the relevant training and experience with the removal of birthmarks. Look into your doctor’s qualifications as well as the technology they are using before you schedule an appointment.
