What Causes Birthmarks? How to Get Rid of a Birthmark?

Birthmark, formed on the skin; These are spots that are noticeable during or shortly after birth. However, some birthmarks, such as gray hair, may not be noticed until the baby is several months old because they affect the hair. Although many babies are born with birthmarks, it is very rare for these marks to become a problem. Medical intervention is required for very few birthmarks. However, some people may also want to remove birthmarks for cosmetic reasons in adulthood. You can follow the rest of the article for other topics you are curious about about birthmarks.

What is a Birthmark?

Birthmarks describe lesions in which various changes, such as pigmentation, occur on the skin that are evident at the time of birth or shortly after this event. Birthmark lesions, of which there are many subtypes, are generally harmless.

Birthmarks are among the most common conditions. Various studies indicate that approximately 1 in every 10 babies has a birthmark. Some types of birthmarks are detected more frequently than other types. For example, vascular birthmarks such as hemangioma are one of the most commonly detected types of birthmarks. Apart from these birthmarks, although rare, other types of birthmarks such as Port wine stains may also occur.

What are the Types of Birthmarks?

Birthmarks are basically examined in two categories: vascular and pigmented. Vascular birthmarks are birthmarks caused by abnormalities of the blood vessels under the skin, and these lesions are usually pink-red in color. Pigmented birthmarks are color abnormalities that occur as a result of pigmentation changes on the skin. Pigmented birthmarks are usually brown birthmarks. Some may also occur in shades close to black or blue.

Hemangiomas, stork bite lesions and Port wine stains are among the types of birthmarks of vascular origin. Hemangiomas, which form in a layer close to the skin surface, appear pink or red in the neck or face area. These lesions usually begin as a raised lump on the skin and continue to grow in the months following birth. Many hemangiomas regress spontaneously over time. Birthmarks, also called stork bites or angel kisses, appear as flat lesions on the skin, although they may be red or pink in color like hemangiomas. This type of birthmark, which usually occurs on the face and nape area, may become more noticeable when the baby cries or cries.

Stork bite stains are among the stains that can fade over time. Port wine stain occurs in a variable color scale from pink to purple; These are lesions that grow larger and larger than the skin as the child grows. Pigmented birthmarks, another type of birthmark, are divided into subgroups as cafe au lait spots, mongolian patch or congenital moles. Cafe au lait (cafeola) spots are detected as flat lesions that are darker brown in color than their surroundings. This white birthmark can occur on any part of the body. Cafe au lait stains are among the permanent birthmarks such as Port wine stains. Mongolian spot is a gray-blue birthmark that is often confused with bruises that occur after crushing. This type of pigmented birthmark usually occurs in the hip and waist area. Mongolian spot usually tends to fade on its own over time. Congenital moles, another type of pigmented birthmark, refer to brown moles that are present at birth. These lesions, which can be at the same level as the skin or slightly raised, can occur in any part of the body. Many congenital moles tend to be permanent.

What Causes Birthmarks?

The connection between birthmark development and unfulfilled cravings during pregnancy is just an urban legend. Birthmarks are lesions that are not caused by any reason during pregnancy, and the underlying cause of their formation cannot usually be revealed.

However, some birthmarks are genetically inherited and can be inherited between family members. Some birthmarks may arise from rare genetic mutations. Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome, detected in some children born with port wine stains, is one example of this condition.

Neurofibromatosis Type-1 disease (NF1), which is among the causes of birthmarks, is a genetic disorder characterized by many cafe au lait spots on the body. In addition to numerous pigmented birthmarks, these patients also have an increased risk of developing tumors in structures related to the skin and nervous system. In Sturge Weber syndrome, another disorder with port wine stain lesions, caution should be taken as stroke-like conditions and eye problems such as glaucoma may occur in addition to the birthmark.

How Does a Birthmark Form?

The causes of birthmarks and how these lesions form are among the issues that have not yet been fully clarified. However, some of the factors that may be effective in the formation of pigmented and vascular birthmarks, which are generally the two basic birthmark categories, are estimated. Vascular birthmarks generally consist of developmental anomalies of blood vessels located close to the skin level. These birthmarks have the appearance of a pink-red birthmark because they originate from blood vessels. Pigmented birthmarks are lesions that arise from pigmentation changes that occur in a certain part of the skin.

Pigmentation change is caused by an increase in the level of a substance called melanin. The increase in melanin occurs especially in areas where melanocyte cells, which are responsible for the production of this substance, cluster. Apart from these physiological mechanisms, some studies also suggest that various proteins secreted from the placenta during pregnancy may be effective in the formation of birthmarks.

How is Birthmark Treatment?

Birthmark treatment varies depending on the type of birthmark the person has. Medication, laser treatment or surgical procedures are the basic treatment approaches that can be used within the scope of birthmark treatment.

Does Birthmark Go Away?

Birthmark is a condition that can be treated with medication, surgical interventions and laser applications. It should not be forgotten that any application that can be done at home will not be effective for birthmarks. Any treatment attempt related to birthmark should be carried out by specialist physicians in health institutions.

How to Get Rid of a Birthmark?

While surgical shaving (birthmark surgery) is an effective method for physically removing birthmarks, laser treatment is effective in making vascular birthmarks less visible. Drug therapy is a treatment approach generally used for birthmark types such as hemangiomas and can be effective in reducing the size of these lesions. Laser treatment can lighten the color of red birthmarks, such as port wine stains. The beams coming out of the laser show their effect by eliminating or shrinking the blood vessels with the effect of heat. The age factor has an impact on the effectiveness of laser therapy. Considering the effectiveness of this treatment method, it is often used to remove birthmarks in babies. Birthmarks are generally lesions that do not adversely affect the general health condition. However, if this condition disturbs the person cosmetically, various treatment methods can be applied. It should be noted that some of the results obtained with these treatment methods may not be permanent. If you are bothered by your birthmarks, you can apply to a health institution.