Birthmark Treatments Elkton MD

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

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Birthmark Treatments FAQ in Elkton, MD

Can birthmarks turn cancerous?

Most birthmarks, such as the common port wine stains and strawberry marks, carry no risk of developing into a cancer. But a very rare type, called a giant congenital melanocytic naevus, can develop into a melanoma if it is larger than 20cm.

What causes brown birthmarks?

Pigmented birthmarks are caused by an overgrowth of the cells that produce color in our skin. There are three types of pigmented birthmarks: café-au-lait spots, moles and Mongolian spots. Pigmented birthmarks can be flat or raised with regular or irregular borders and color that ranges from brown to black to blue.

What is a brown birthmark called?

Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) are “moles” that are present at birth. They range in color from light brown to black and come in all shapes and sizes. Over time, CMN may darken, thicken or grow hair. One percent of babies are born with a CMN, but so-called “giant” CMN are much less common (1 in 50,000).

What is the most common birthmark?

Salmon patches (also called stork bites, angel kisses, or macular stains) are the most common type of birthmark.

When should I be worried about my birthmark?

Because port wine stains and certain hemangiomas can be disfiguring and embarrassing for children, Rozell-Shannon advises parents to consult with a vascular birthmarks specialist if their child’s birthmark has gotten larger or darker, or isn’t diminishing on its own.

What kind of birthmark is rare?

Nevus Sebaceous “This type of birthmark is very rare but it is important because it has a high risk of developing into basal cell skin cancer. It is one of the few birthmarks that may be surgically removed at an early age to prevent it from becoming cancerous,” says Miller.

Can dermatologist help with birthmark?

Your dermatologist will tell you what to look for. This allows you to treat the birthmark only if treatment becomes necessary. This can be an effective approach for a strawberry hemangioma, a type of birthmark that can grow quickly.

What do cancerous birthmarks look like?

One part of a mole or birthmark doesn’t match the other. The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred. The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue.

How can I flatten my birthmark?

Shaving or surgery physically removes the birthmark, whereas lasers shrink blood vessels to make vascular birthmarks less visible. Medication is also used to shrink certain birthmarks, like some hemangiomas.

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.

Can you lighten a birthmark?

Laser treatment uses highly focused beams of light to reduce the size and lessen the color of birthmarks. This includes red birthmarks, such as strawberry hemangiomas and port wine stains; brown birthmarks, such as café au lait spots; and blue birthmarks, such as facial dermal melanocytosis.

Are birthmarks permanent?

Most birthmarks are permanent, but a few types fade as a child grows. Birthmarks are common and usually harmless. But some may require treatment for cosmetic reasons or because of rapid growth. Still others may be a sign of an underlying disease.

Can Vaseline remove marks?

Use Vaseline® Jelly for Scars By sealing in moisture it also helps to reduce dryness of scarred skin, once your skin has healed. This may help to improve the appearance of scars, making the skin look smoother and softer, as well as help to reduce itchiness caused by dryness.

Is vitamin E or C better for scars?

Anecdotal reports claim that vitamin E speeds wound healing and improves the cosmetic outcome of burns and other wounds. Many lay people use vitamin E on a regular basis to improve the outcome of scars and several physicians recommend topical vitamin E after skin surgery or resurfacing.