Why do birthmarks form? How can they be removed?

Most of us have birthmarks on our bodies. That is, we have some marks from birth. But, why do these marks appear? What is the meaning of their presence? We will understand all this. We will also know what to do if there is any change in the birthmark. And, what is the procedure to remove them?

What are birthmarks?

Dr. Sunita Naik told us this.

Birthmarks are natural marks on the skin. They come in different shapes and sizes. They may be present at birth or may appear some time later.

There are mainly two types of birthmarks. First, vascular birthmarks and second, pigmented birthmarks. Vascular birthmarks are formed due to blood vessels. 

Salmon patch is the most common among them. It is also called stork bite or angel's kiss. These are light pink or red in color. They are seen after birth near the forehead, eyes, nose or lips. These start to fade with time. 

Vascular Birthmarks 

Another type of vascular birthmark is hemangioma. These are slightly raised and dark red in colour. They may get smaller over time.

The third type of vascular birthmark is port-wine stain. These are purple or red in color on the face. They do not fade with time, they remain the same.

Pigmented Birthmarks

Now let's talk about pigmented birthmarks. These are formed due to the pigment present in the skin. Cafe-au-lait spots are the most common among them. They are light brown in color. They can be found anywhere on the body. 

Then come Mongolian spots. These are usually seen on the lower back in dark-skinned people. These are present at birth and may gradually lighten. 

The third type of pigmented birthmark is the pigmented nevus. These are also called moles or warts. These can be of many types, such as Becker's nevus and Spitz nevus. They can be small or large, light or dark in colour.

Why do birthmarks form?

Vascular birthmarks are formed due to a defect in the structure of blood vessels. When the baby's organs are being formed, if the blood vessels are not formed properly, then vascular birthmarks can form. 

On the other hand, pigmented birthmarks are caused by the abnormal distribution of pigments present in the skin. When the color of the skin is being formed in the fetus, if the pigment is not distributed properly, then pigmented birthmarks can form. 

Our genes can also be a reason for the formation of birthmarks. On the other hand, if the woman comes in contact with a particular type of environment during pregnancy, then birthmarks can also be formed due to this.

How can I get a birthmark removed?

If needed, laser therapy can be done. Pulsed dye laser is used for port-wine stains. Q-switch laser is used for pigmented nevus. 4 to 6 sessions may be required for treatment. 

The second method is surgery. If the birthmark is large, it can be removed through surgery. Stitches are applied after surgery. 

The third method is cryotherapy. In this, the birthmark is destroyed by freezing it with liquid nitrogen. In some cases, medicines are also used for treatment. For example, hemangioma, its size can be reduced by giving beta blockers (such as propranolol).

What kind of changes in birthmarks make it necessary to consult a doctor?

Most birthmarks do not cause any harm. But, if some changes are seen in them, then it is important to consult a doctor. For example, if the size of the birthmark starts increasing or changing, then you must consult a doctor. 

If water or blood is coming out of your birthmark. If there is pain in it, then it could be an infection. If the size of the birthmark starts increasing too much, then some pigmented birthmarks have a chance of becoming cancerous. In such a case, definitely go to the doctor. 

If your birthmark is near sensitive organs. Like near the eyes and it is affecting the vision. It is near the nose and it is causing trouble in breathing. It is near the mouth and it is causing trouble in eating and drinking, then it is necessary to get such birthmark treated. 

If some symptoms are felt along with the birthmark, like constant headache or dizziness, then this can be a sign of some genetic disorder. In such a case, it is important to consult a doctor immediately.

Look, there is no need to remove birthmarks. But, if you notice any change in it. If you feel any problem. Then you should definitely consult a doctor.

(The information given here, the treatment methods and the dosage recommended are based on the experience of experts. Before following any advice, please consult your doctor. 'Proxy Safe Guard' does not advise you to take medicines on your own.)