How to get rid of birthmarks

Some people may feel uncomfortable because they have birthmarks, so they need to eliminate them. There are several ways you can do to get rid of birthmarks. However, the way to remove birthmarks must be adjusted to the type of birthmark.

Everyone generally has a birthmark with a different color, shape, and size. Until now, the cause of the birthmark is not known with certainty. However, this condition is thought to be caused by genetic factors inherited from parents.

Eliminating birthmarks cannot be done haphazardly and must be adjusted to the type and condition of health. If you have a birthmark and feel very disturbed by this, consider the following explanation so you can better understand the complaints you are experiencing.

Types of Birthmarks

Birthmarks are divided into two major groups, namely:

Pigment birthmark

Pigment birthmarks appear due to interference with the skin pigment. Pigments are dyes that determine the color of the skin of the body. Pigment birthmarks are divided into 3 types, namely:

1. Mole

Birthmarks in the form of moles are generally small and brown or blackish in color. The shape can be flat or slightly protruding and sometimes overgrown with hair. Moles that appear at birth are generally harmless. However, sometimes moles can also resemble skin cancer.

The characteristics of moles that need to be suspected as skin cancer are irregular shape, new moles that grow with colors that are not uniform, and have a size of more than 6 millimeters and getting bigger and faster.

2. Café au lait (milk coffee stain)

The café au lait birthmark resembles a light brown skin stain that resembles the color of milk coffee and is usually oval in shape. Without treatment, these birthmarks will continue to stay on the skin.

Café au lait birthmarks are not dangerous. However, if the number is more than 6, this birthmark needs to be examined by a doctor, because it could be a birthmark is a sign of neurofibromatosis or tumors in nerve tissue.

3. Mongolian spots (Mongolian spots)

This type of birthmark can be identified by areas of skin that are blue-gray (similar to bruises) and usually appear on the back and buttocks, although it can also appear on other body parts. Mongol spots generally fade on their own without handling.

Vascular birthmarks

Vascular birthmarks appear due to interference or abnormalities in blood vessels under the skin. Some of the most common types of vascular birthmarks are:

1. Macular spots

Macular patches are marked with reddish spots on the skin. This type of birthmark is commonly found on the forehead, eyelids, and back of the neck. As with most birthmarks, macular spots can fade on their own, but can also persist.

2. Hemangioma

Hemangiomas are birthmarks in the form of patches which are generally bright red like strawberries. But it can also be blue or purple. The texture of the skin at the spot where it appears is the same as normal skin texture.

Hemangioma birthmarks can appear anywhere on the body and are generally harmless. However, hemangiomas need to be examined immediately by a doctor if these birthmarks appear on the face, around the eyes, or get bigger quickly and have caused ulcers.

3. Port-wine stain

Port-wine stain or nevus flammeus birthmarks are marked by the appearance of wine-like spots, namely pink to purplish red.

Generally, these birthmarks only appear in one part of the body. Nevertheless, it is also possible that the port-wine stain also appears in other parts of the body.

Port-wine stain birthmarks that surround the eyes and are often associated with vision problems, such as glaucoma, also require medical treatment.

Actions to remove birthmarks

Most birthmarks are harmless and can disappear on their own as you age. However, if deemed disturbing, birthmarks can be removed by doctors by several methods.

How to remove birthmarks by doctors is not always the same for each patient. This needs to be adjusted to the type of birthmark the patient has, medical history, and the overall condition of the patient.

The following are some ways that doctors can use to remove birthmarks:

1. Surgical removal of birthmarks

Because it has the potential to turn into skin cancer, a mole is one type of birthmark that is often treated with this method. Surgery can be done by surgery, laser therapy, or cautery (electrosurgery).

However, doctors can also perform several methods of surgery above to eliminate other types of birthmarks, such as port-wine stain and café au lait.

2. The use of corticosteroids

Hemangiomas that develop rapidly to affect vision or other vital organs, can be treated with oral corticosteroids or injections. The drug is given to reduce the size of the hemangioma, so that the hemangiomas gradually disappear.

3. Propranolol

Propranolol is a drug that is widely used to treat heart problems and high blood pressure. However, with the dosage adjusted, this drug is also considered effective in fading and removing hemangioma birthmarks.

Nevertheless, propranolol can also cause side effects such as dry cough, diarrhea, body feels weak, nausea, dry eyes, decreased heart rate, and hair loss.

Most birthmarks are not serious health problems. However, beware if birthmarks appear along with other symptoms, such as pain, numbness, suppuration, or injury, and their size quickly expands or enlarges. If you have birthmarks with these characteristics, you should immediately consult a doctor. 

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