Birthmark Treatments Opelousas LA

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

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Birthmark Treatments FAQ in Opelousas, LA

Where are birthmarks most common?

They are found most commonly on the torso, buttocks, and legs. Café-au-lait spots do not go away, may increase in number, and generally do not require treatment. A single café-au-lait spot is not a sign of a health problem.

What is a beauty mark vs birthmark?

Moles and birthmarks are not necessarily one in the same, but they can be easily confused as a mole can be present at birth. Some doctors do consider a mole as a “beauty mark” as it is a pigmentated area. However, birthmarks are flat and located on the surface of the skin, while a mole will protrude above the skin.

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 do birthmarks suddenly appear?

Researchers are not sure why moles suddenly appear later in life. Most that do are benign and occur likely because of age, prescription drug use, sunburn or extensive sun exposure and genetic mutations. Any mole that appears and looks unordinary can be a cause for concern.

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 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.

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.

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.

Can I remove birthmark without surgery?

Yes. Most types of birthmarks can be removed with laser treatments. The laser used depends upon the type and colour of the birthmark being removed. In some rare cases and depending on the size, surgical excision might be necessary to remove a birthmark.

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.

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.

What is the most common birthmark?

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

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.