Unusual marks on the skin of newborn babies or even mature
children are known as naevi, or birthmarks. They consist either of an area of
abnormal pigmentation, or of a localized
abnormalities of the blood vessels in the skin. They vary
widely in size and position. Some are unsightly, but many are insignificant, or
can even give an individuality which is a source of pride or identity. The different
sorts of birthmarks have different names, and knowing the type of mark will
often enable the doctor to tell what will happen to it and if treatment will be
necessary.
The blemishes come in various sizes and colours, ranging
from deep blue to chocolate brown. Babies can be born with one or several of
them.
Types of birthmarks
Stork marks
A distinctive triangular blotchy red or brown mark found
between the eyebrows and spreading out over the fore head. There is also
accompanying patch at the back of neck.
They fade out into childhood and don’t require treatment.
Strawberry marks
They appear in the first month of life after birth. They occur
anywhere in the skin and consist of dilated blood vessels giving a red or chocolate
raised bumpy lesion(straw berry shaped). Strawberry marks keep enlarging until
the child is about six month after which they gradually in size and color until
they disappear. They can bleed or get infected if the get knocked. They appear
on the face, back or neck. They are not permanent and therefore it is better
left alone.
Port Wine stains
They are irregular shaped deep red or dark brown patches on
the skin. They lie flat on the skin and often appear on the face or trunk. They
are present at birth and cover a large area of skin. They consist of dilated
capillaries in the skin and do not alter in shape or size.
They are often small and permanent but can be removed using
lesser treatment.
Café-au-lait spots
One of the commonest forms of birthmarks which are smooth
light or dark brown patches of skin occurring anywhere on the body. They are
seldom unsightly and permanent.
Mongolian blue spots
Asian and African babies(as name suggest it was for mongolian children but also found in africans) may have a bluish blemish of lower
back, sometimes spreading as far as the shoulders. They become less obvious
with age.
Treatment for birthmarks
Studies show that treatment is more successful if done
early. Although strawberry marks
regress, in rare cases, they can get
very large or obstruct the eye, ear or breathing passages, in which case they
may need treatment.
Port wine stains is removed by laser. This usually starts
before age of two and can take up to six
treatments, spread over three years to remove it completely depending on the
severity and number of birthmarks..
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