While it is not medically necessary to remove most birthmarks, if you have a prominent one, you may wonder how to remove it. Well, the most prominent birthmarks may make you feel less confident. If that’s the case, this guide is for you!
Some birthmarks will likely fade on their own. However, others will require treatment options, which we will discuss in the latter part of this blog. First, let’s cover some basics about birthmarks.
Birthmarks are areas of discoloration on your skin, which are there from birth. They are often permanent and may appear as brown, red, purple, or pick patches. These marks vary in size and can occur in any part of your body.
Birthmarks’ causes mainly depend on what type of birthmark you have. Vascular birthmarks are caused by an abnormality in the blood vessels of your skin. These marks are usually purple, pink, or red in color. On the other hand, brown-colored birthmarks are often due to clusters of melanin (or pigment) in the skin.
You can remove a birthmark with several common natural remedies. The effects of these are often slow and gradual. These remedies include applying olive oil or lemon juice to the affected area. Olive oil is a natural moisturizer that can be used to condition rough-textured, dry skin. It can also help smooth and soften your skin. In fact, it’s a great ingredient to include in your skincare routine. Moreover, some studies suggest improving your birthmark’s appearance if you apply it regularly.
Likewise, lemon juice is also a natural remedy to fade your birthmark’s appearance. It is also used to lighten the hair and fade freckles.
How to use: take a few drops of lemon juice and dab them on the birthmark. Leave it there for around half an hour. Then, wash it with warm water and dry your skin with a clean towel. Repeat this process at least 3 times a day until your birthmark gets faded. Follow the same procedure for olive oil.
Depending on your birthmark’s type, your doctor may recommend the following treatments:
You can physically remove the birthmark with surgery or shaving. Laser treatment, on the other hand, shrinks blood vessels, making your vascular birthmark less prominent. Medication can also shrink certain birthmarks, such as some hemangiomas.
Laser therapy involves the use of laser light that produces heat. This heat shrinks or even eliminates blood vessels that are making your birthmark more prominent. This therapy is used for vascular birthmarks and is highly effective when used from infancy. However, it is also beneficial for children and adults.
Birthmark surgery is generally done in an office with local anesthesia. For large birthmark areas, your doctor may use general anesthesia to remove the birthmark.
Medications like beta-blockers can also shrink blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the area that makes certain birthmarks less noticeable.
If you have a birthmark and want to get rid of it, feel free to visit The Villages Dermatologist. Our professionals are ready to help you!
