Birthmarks are an irregularity in the skin that are often present from birth, although they can also develop during the first few weeks or months of life. They tend to be benign and pose no health risks, however, if a birth mark is pronounced or large, it can cause other problems linked to self-confidence. Unfortunately, a noticeable birthmark may make an individual a target for bullies, especially once they start school.
There are two types of birthmark:
Pigmented birthmarks are caused by an excess of pigmentation in the skin, and often manifest themselves as moles, café au lait spots or Mongolian spots.
Vascular birthmarks are caused by excessive blood vessels in the skin, and include port wine stains and strawberry marks.
The appearance of these birth marks can be improved, thanks to Advanced Intense Pulsed Light treatment. This type of birthmark removal uses light to eliminate the mark without damaging the surrounding skin.
The filtered light acts on the chromophores within the skin, which absorb the light and cause the lesions to heat up. The heat then makes the lesions disintegrate, thus reducing or removing the birthmark, leaving the skin clear and healthy.
