Birthmark
A birthmark, also known as a Naevus, is a blemish on the skin formed before birth. The cause of birthmarks is unknown, but may include cellular damage due to radiation or chemicals. Some types of birth marks seem to run in families.
A number of different birthmarks are known. They include Stork bite mark, Mongolian blue spot, Strawberry mark, Cafe au lait spot, Congenital melanocytic naevus, and neurofibromatosis. The spots do not fade with age.
- Treatment
- Cosmetic
Congenital melanocytic naevus
- Also known as
-
- Colour
- light brown (in fair skinned people) to almost black (in darker skinned people).
- Shape
- Irregular, small marks usually flat, large ones can be raised and lumpy.
- Texture
- Sometimes hairy.
- Size
- From under a centimeter to over 30 centimeters.
- Location
- Can appear anywhere on the body
- Frequency
- About one in a hundred births.
- Prognosis
- Some, but not all, studies have suggested a cancer risk is associated with large marks. Some marks are associated with a build up of melanin in the spinal cord, a condition called neurocutaneous melanosis. Naevi close to the eye are associated with glaucoma. Large visible marks can have a psychological impact.
- Treatment
- Surgical removal is an option, but will usually lead to scarring. The marks should be watched as sudden changes can be a sign of cancer.
Port wine stain
- Also known as: Naevus Flammus
- Colour
- Pale pink at birth, becoming darker with age to a deep wine red.
- Shape
- Irregular.
- Texture
- Can become lumpy with age.
- Size
- Usually large, more than ten centimeters across.
- Location
- Often on the face
- Frequency
- Three in one thousand births.
- Prognosis
- The mark does not fade. Marks around the eye are associated with glaucoma. There can be a psychological impact.
- Treatment
- Laser treatment is usually effective.
This article is a stub. You can help BambooWeb by .
