Birthmark Treatments Alameda CA

Find top doctors who perform Birthmark Treatments in Alameda, CA. Whether you’re seeking treatment or looking to schedule a preventative screening, we can connect you with the best dermatologists near you in Alameda, CA.

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Birthmark Treatments FAQ in Alameda, CA

Are birthmarks genetic?

Some birthmarks are hereditary and run in families, but most aren’t. Very occasionally, some are caused by gene mutations. For example, some babies born with a type of birthmark called port-wine stains (because they look similar to a splash of wine) may have a rare condition called Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.

What happens if you cut off a birthmark?

Shaving or cutting your mole can disfigure your skin and leave a scar if done improperly. Removing a mole without sterile equipment in a nonsurgical condition may lead to infection. If your mole is cancerous, the cells can remain in the skin and spread.

Why are birthmarks called?

Birthmarks get their name for one simple reason: They are marks that are present on the skin of a lot of newborn babies! A baby can develop birthmarks either before being born or soon after birth. One of the most common types of birthmarks is called a hemangioma (say: he-man-jee-OH-muh).

How do you prevent birthmarks?

There is no known way to prevent birthmarks. People with birthmarks should use a good quality sunscreen when outdoors in order to prevent complications.

What kind of birthmarks are rare?

Venous Malformations These birthmarks are very rare. A vascular malformation is a tangle of blood vessels that are usually bigger and more protruding than other blood vessel birthmarks. Venous malformations do not fade away over time and often need to be treated.

Can a brown birthmark be removed?

Some birthmarks are suitable for surgical excision, which will completely remove the birthmark but will leave a scar. If you are interested in surgical treatment you will need to see a plastic surgeon. Your GP may be able to advise you further. Some birthmarks are suitable for laser treatment to fade the brown pigment.

Is it OK to wax a birthmark?

While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that people avoid waxing skin with moles, varicose veins, or warts, there are plenty of other options such as tweezing, trimming, and snipping to try instead.

Why do people get birthmarks?

Birthmarks generally result from an overgrowth of a structure that is normally present in the skin. For example, an overgrowth of blood vessels produces vascular birthmarks or haemangiomas; an overgrowth of pigment cells produces congenital naevi or moles.

Are people with birthmarks rare?

Birthmarks are common. Research shows that about 10% of babies are born with a type of birthmark known as a hemangioma (he-man-gio-ma). Fortunately, most hemangiomas go away on their own by the time a child is 10 years old. Many disappear sooner.

Can Chemical peels remove birthmarks?

Chemical Peel: A chemical peel uses a medical-grade chemical solution to remove the top layer of skin over the birthmark. As your body replaces the birthmark skin with new cells, the texture evens out.

What are birthmarks made of?

Birthmarks are made up of malformed pigment cells or blood vessels. Although the cause of birthmarks is not known, most of them are benign (noncancerous) and do not require treatment. Babies with birthmarks should be examined and diagnosed by a health care provider.

What is a royal birthmark?

9 According to Bloch, belief in the royal birthmark—a mysterious mark on sovereigns’ bodies indicating their royal status—was “one of the most lively superstitions in the Middle Ages,” which gives “a deep insight into the popular mind.”10 It provides evidence of the concept of the sacred and miraculous nature of …

Can you freeze off a birthmark?

Freezing — Liquid nitrogen can be sprayed or swabbed onto the mole. This freezes the mole’s cells and they die. The mole will peel off in a week or two. Burning — An electric current that heats a wire can be used to burn off moles.

Is it rare to have a brown birthmark?

Café-au-lait spots are named for their light brown color: “Café-au-lait” means “coffee with milk” in French. Although some are present at birth, most café-au-lait spots appear well after a child is born. They are relatively common—as many as 30 percent of children have a café-au-lait birthmark by age 6.

Does IPL get rid of birthmarks?

IPL treatments close off the blood vessels forming the birthmark that eventually causes it to fade. They also work on flat pigmented birthmarks, but not on raised birthmarks.