Resolving Birthmarks: A Look at Types and Treatments

As we age, it becomes increasingly important that we care for our skin. For many aging adults, purchasing high end facial cleansers and moisturizers provide for a nice approach to reducing wrinkles and fine lines. There is one skin abnormality, however, that even the best facial cleansers and moisturizers can not defeat; the birthmark. Understanding what a birthmark is and how they are classified, may help to determine what skin care approaches are best suited for the skin condition.

A birthmark is an area of the skin that is of a different pigment color than the rest of the skin. Present at birth, the birthmark can lead to lifelong emotional complications, destroying self esteem if located in areas of visibility and not well masked.

A brown flat spot on the skin, commonly referred to as the Café Au Lait birthmark, may be an indication of other dermatological complications. Even without health complications, the Café Au Lait birthmark commonly appears in the weeks following birth and, because of the lighter shading, is generally easier to mask with a good quality foundation used in adulthood.

In addition to the Café Au Lait birthmark, some children suffer from complications associated with birthmarks which appear to be an abnormally developed mole and may even produce a hairy texture. As a birthmark that should be removed, this type of hair covered birthmark has shown to lead to a progressive case of melanoma in as many as five percent of the children born with the condition, most often occurring before high school. For these birthmarks, removal is the best option providing for improved self esteem in addition to reduced health complications.

Red birthmarks, commonly referred to as Port Wine Stains, got their name from the appearance which mimics that of port wine spilled onto a tablecloth. As a collection of superficial blood vessels, the Port Wine Stain birthmark usually begin as a simple pink spot which progressively turns a more reddened color as the child ages. By middle adulthood, this birthmark can turn to shades of purple and often appears to be uneven. When complicated, the red birthmark can lead to complications of the bones and joints. For this reason, individuals suffering from Port Wine Stains should consider laser therapy to remove, or reduce, the red birthmark, thereby improving long term health and complications. As a general rule, laser therapy can be done in anyone afflicted with the condition, over the age of 17.

For women who suffer from any of these birthmark conditions, the makers of fine moisturizers and cosmetics, such as Clinique and Lancome, can provide some suggestions for foundations and other make up tips to reduce the appearance in the areas around the face and neck. When suffering from complications of birthmarks, it is important to always consult a dermatologist, first, to rule out any potential health complications associated with the birthmark.