Do you feel uncomfortable by the appearance of unwanted birthmarks that may be present anywhere on your body? You are not alone, and many times these blemishes can be treated with simple non-surgical treatments. Dr. Steve Musick, and his team of highly skilled dermatology professionals are here to help you.
What Are Birthmarks?
Birthmarks are skin discolorations that appear in various forms and more often appear at birth or shortly thereafter. They are usually harmless, however you should seek the advice of a Board-Certified Dermatologist for proper evaluation.
Types Of Birthmarks
Birthmarks may appear in many forms such as:
PIGMENTED LESIONS. Moles are usually the size of a pencil eraser, however they may be smaller or larger and have different colors. Moles may appear as flat or raised bumps above the skin, and may go away as you age. It is not uncommon to have moles appear as you age. If you find that your moles itch, bleed, or change color and/or size, it is extremely important that you seek the advice of a dermatologist for treatment.
Café au-lait spots appear as light brown spots when they are on light colored skin. On darker pigmented skin, they may appear as the color of black coffee. They usually appear as an oval shape, and may be different in size. It is not uncommon for these spots to fade as you get older, but usually do not go away completely.
VASCULAR LESIONS. Vascular lesions appear when a bunch of extra blood vessels clump together and are visible with the naked eye. These type of birthmarks are known as:
Salmon patches – commonly known as "angel kisses" when they appear on the face or "shark bites" when they occur on the nape of neck.
Hemangiomas – these are usually harmless lesions and may grow larger in the first year of birth. They usually start shrinking as you age and most become flat by 10 years of age. May grow larger in the first year after birth.
Port wine stains – usually appear on the face and may be permanent. They can be reduced with laser treatments, however it is difficult to totally remove them and these can actually get bigger as a child ages.
Treatment Of Birthmarks
Dr. Steve Musick is a Board-Certified Dermatologist by The American Board of Dermatology and treats all types of skin conditions in the Swansea, IL and St. Louis metropolitan area. There are numerous treatments that Dr. Musick and his team can perform and it is best to make an appointment for proper evaluation of any skin condition.
To make an appointment, call Musick Dermatology & Advanced Clinical Spa in Swansea, IL today at 618-628-2588 . We accept most health insurance programs.