Cosmetic Procedures, Birthmarks, and Other Abnormal Skin Pigmentation
Birthmarks and Other Skin Pigmentation Problems Introduction
Skin is just like the humans who wear it: It's not perfect. If everything
went as planned, the body would produce just enough
skin pigment
and blood vessels would behave.
But that's not the case. There are birthmarks and other pigmentation
disorders that affect many people. We've included some of the most common
abnormalities here.
Remember: never self-diagnose! If you think you have one of these skin
pigmentation abnormalities, make sure you visit a doctor to receive an
official diagnosis.
Birthmarks
As might be expected, this type of abnormal skin coloration will
appear at birth or in just a few weeks following birth. It's important
to remember that most birthmarks are non-cancerous, though a doctor
should examine your child if he or she is born with abnormally colored
skin or develops birthmarks shortly after birth. Certain birthmarks
described below can pose health risks.
Pigmented Birthmarks
The discoloration of the skin will appear smooth and flat. These
spots are known by several names, including Mongolian spots --
bruised
or bluish in color, typically appearing on buttocks;
cafe-au-lait spots
-- light brown; and typical moles, which are also called nevi. Moles
should be monitored for bleeding, color, shape or size changes, or
itching.
Macular Stains
These appear anywhere on the body as mild red marks,
but they are not elevated. Macular stains are the most common type of
vascular (from blood vessels) birthmark. These marks can come in two
forms:
- Angel's kisses may appear on the forehead and
eyelids, but will typically disappear early in childhood.
- Stork bites will appear on the back of the neck and can last
into adult years.
Because these marks are often mild, there is no treatment necessary.
Hemangioma
Hemangiomas are caused by many tiny blood vessels bunched together and vary
in severity. Typically, this birthmark can be just that, a mark, or it can grow
larger and larger until treated. Hemangiomas can grow very rapidly through the
first year of a child's life.
There are two types of hemangiomas: strawberry hemangiomas, which are
slightly raised, red birthmarks and can appear anywhere on the body; or
cavernous hemangiomas, which are a deeper birthmark characterized by a bluish
color.
Most hemangiomas will go away on their own; roughly 50% resolve by age five,
70% by age seven and 90% by age nine.
Reasons to treat hemangioma include problems with functions (such as sight,
eating, hearing or defecation), ulceration or pain. Hemangiomas can be treated
in different ways, each of which carries its own risks.
Corticosteroid medication, which can be injected or taken orally, is one
option for treating hemangiomas. Risks associated with corticosteroid medication
include high blood pressure,
high blood sugar, poor growth, or cataracts. If
corticosteroids fail, there are other medications that may be an option.
Certain hemangiomas can also be treated with lasers to stop them from
growing. Risks associated with that treatment include ulceration and scarring.
In some cases, a hemangioma can also be removed with surgery. Other times, a
combination of these approaches is the most beneficial treatment.
Port-wine Stains
Port-wine stains are caused by abnormal development of blood vessels
(capillaries) and last a lifetime. The port-wine stain (also known as nevus
flammeus) appears as a flat, pink, red or purple mark, and occurs on the face,
trunk, arms, or legs.
If you or your child has a port-wine stain present on eyelids, this is
thought to pose an increased risk of
glaucoma, an eye
disease associated with increased pressure in the eyes that can lead to
blindness if it's not treated.
Doctors have tried many ways to treat port wine stains, including
radiation, tattooing, freezing,
dermabrasion,
or
sclerotherapy. Laser treatment is currently the only method that destroys
capillaries in the skin without causing damage to the rest of the skin.
Port-wine stains may be seen in certain medical disorders, including
Sturge-Weber syndrome, with symptoms that include port wine stains on the
face, vision problems, convulsions, mental retardation and perhaps even
paralysis; and
Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome which may include symptoms of many port wine
stains, varicose veins and/or too much bone and soft tissue growth. Each of
these syndromes is very rare.
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