BIRTHMARKS
A birthmark simply put is a mark or discoloration present on the skin of newborns at birth or shortly after. There is not just one type of birthmark but a collection of distinct entities. Some people even refer to discolorations of the skin that develop with time as birthmarks so there is a great deal of confusion and misunderstanding when we refer to birth marks. Regardless of type the most important aspect in treating any abnormality of the skin is to determine whether the lesion is malignant or benign.
Great caution must be exercised when treating any abnormality of the skin because some benign appearing lesions may transform and become malignant later on. This is particularly true with individuals that have been exposed to excessive sun light where even normal skin can transform into cancerous lesions.
Melanocytic Nevus
Melanocytic nevi are the most common of all skin tumors. They are so common that every young adult has an average of 20 to 40 of them if the entire body was examined. As you age you will continue to develop these. These are benign lesions that need no treatment. The problem with these lesions is that they can transform into melanoma.
A melanocytic nevus that is present at birth or appears during the first year of life is considered to be congenital. Acquired melanocytic nevi vary considerably in form, ranging from flat to pedunculated, hairy or hairless and may be skin colored, dark brown, or even black.
Melanoma
Any nevi that has irregular pigmentation, asymmetry, indistinct borders or any change in appearance needs to be evaluated by a specialist. It is believed that areas of sun exposure are more prone to develop melanoma. Some research also suggests that there is a genetic predisposition to melanoma. Suspicious lesions need to be biopsied or preferably excised.
Café Au Lait Spots
Café au lait spots are common benign congenital or acquired birthmarks. They are tan, round to oval flat discolorations ranging in size from several millimeters to 10 to 20 cm. They can occur on any area of the body but are usually found on the trunk, buttocks, and lower extremities. The presence in a pre-pubertal child of five or more café au lait spots larger than 0.5 cm may be a marker for neurofibromatosis.
Mongolian Spot
A mongolian spot is a bluish flat discoloration that is seen in newborns of dark-skinned races. The discoloration usually disappears by 3 or 4 years of age and is most often found in the lumbo-sacral region.
Nevus of Ota
The nevus of Ota occurs in infancy or appears in adolescence as a blue-gray discoloration on the face. The lesion is unilateral in the majority of cases. Asian females are most commonly affected. Laser therapy has proven very effective in lightning these lesions.
Becker Nevus
Becker's Nevus is usually located on one shoulder and presents as a large area of hyper-pigmentation and increased hair growth. Adolescent males are the most affected with this condition.