Some people may feel uncomfortable because they have birthmarks, so feel the need to remove them. There are several ways to get rid of birthmarks. However, how 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 appearance of birthmarks is not known with certainty. However, this condition is thought to be caused by genetic factors that are inherited from parents.
Removing birthmarks cannot be done arbitrarily and must be adapted to the type and health conditions. If you have a birthmark and feel very disturbed by it, consider the following explanation so that 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 a disturbance in the skin pigment. Pigments are dyes that determine the color of the body's skin. Pigment birthmarks are divided into 3 types, namely:
- Mole
The characteristics of moles that need to be suspected of being skin cancer are irregular in shape, newly grown moles with non-uniform coloration, and have a size of more than 6 millimeters and are growing rapidly.
- Café au lait (coffee milk stain)Birthmark cafe au lait resembles a light brown skin stain similar to the color of coffee milk and is usually oval in shape. Without treatment, these birthmarks will continue to remain on the skin.
Birthmark cafe au lait is not a dangerous thing. However, if there are more than 6, these birthmarks need to be checked by a doctor, because they could be a sign of neurofibromatosis or a tumor in nerve tissue.
- Mongolian spots (mongolian spot)This type of birthmark can be identified by an area of blue-gray skin (like a bruise) and usually appears on the back and buttocks, although it can also appear on other parts of the body. Mongolian spots will generally fade on their own without treatment.
Vascular birthmark
Vascular birthmarks appear due to disorders or abnormalities in the blood vessels under the skin. Some of the most common types of vascular birthmarks are:
- Macular SpotsMacular spot birthmarks are characterized by the appearance of reddish patches on the skin. This type of birthmark is commonly found on the forehead, eyelids, and back of the neck. Just like most birthmarks, macular patches can fade on their own, but they can also persist.
- Hemangioma
Hemangioma birthmarks can appear anywhere on the body and are generally harmless. However, hemangiomas need to be examined by a doctor immediately if these birthmarks appear on the face, around the eyes, or grow rapidly and have caused ulcers.
- Port wine stainBirthmark port wine stain or nevus flammeus characterized by the appearance of spots like the color of wine, which is pink to purplish red.
Generally, these birthmarks only appear on one part of the body. However, it is possible port wine stain also appear in other parts of the body.
Birthmark port wine stain around the eyes and are often associated with vision problems, such as glaucoma, also require medical attention.
Birthmark Removal
Most birthmarks are harmless and go away on their own with age. However, if it is bothersome, birthmarks can be removed by a doctor with several methods.
How to remove birthmarks performed by doctors is not always the same in every patient. This needs to be adjusted to the type of birthmark the patient has, medical history, and the patient's overall condition.
The following are some ways that doctors can use to remove birthmarks:
1. Birthmark removal surgery
Because they have the potential to turn into skin cancer, moles are one type of birthmark that is often treated with this method. Surgery to remove moles as birthmarks can be done with surgery, laser therapy, or cauterization (electrical surgery).
However, doctors can also perform some of the above surgical methods to remove other types of birthmarks, such as: port wine stain and cafe au lait.
2. 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 shrink the size of the hemangioma, so that the hemangioma will eventually disappear.
3. Propranolol
Propranolol is a drug that is widely used to treat heart disorders and high blood pressure. However, with an adjusted dose, this drug is also considered effective in fading and removing hemangioma birthmarks.
However, propranolol can also cause side effects such as dry cough, diarrhea, feeling weak, nausea, dry eyes, decreased heart rate, and hair loss.
Most birthmarks are not serious health problems. However, be aware if the birthmark appears along with other symptoms, such as pain, numbness, pus or sores, and quickly expands or enlarges in size. If you have a birthmark with these characteristics, you should immediately consult a doctor.