Many types of birthmarks can exist on the skin. Some are pigmented and some are vascular and may include:
- Moles
- Café-au-lait spots
- Mongolian spots
- Salmon patches
- Hemangiomas
- Port wine stains
Hemangiomas are vascular birthmarks that are caused by extra blood vessels in a concentrated area that have clumped together. Approximately one out of every 10 individuals is born with a vascular birthmark. Hemangiomas can show up in one of two ways. Strawberry hemangiomas develop on top of the skin and are deep red. Deeper hemangiomas can bulge from underneath the skin and maybe blue or purple in color. These may become bigger as child age, but then will often shrink around the age of 10, leaving a light mark behind.
Hemangiomas are not problematic and can go away on their own. However, when children are born with them, many parents want their child to undergo treatment for removal or reduction of the birthmark due to negative social or psychological effects it may have. Sometimes they can disfigure the face, or may block the child’s vision if developing around the eyes. In situations such as these, a dermatologist may suggest several types of treatments to address the condition. Corticosteroid injections may help, as well as laser surgery. Treatment options will be discussed with the parents to determine the best one for the specific case. Evaluation and consultation is done to determine the need for removal. If it has been deemed appropriate, a practical solution is recommended and parents can decide if removal of the hemangioma is necessary for the emotional wellbeing of the child.
The following treatments are used for hemangiomas:
- Sciton 1064 YAG
- VeinGogh
- Sciton BBL
- QX MAX Hemangioma Treatment
Patients in the Cleveland, Ohio community and surrounding areas who are seeking the assistance of a quality dermatologist are more than welcome to contact the team at Seriously Skin Cosmetic and Laser Medicine to learn about the various treatments available for common skin, hair, and nail conditions. From acne to nail fungus, our team is experienced and capable of assisting patients of all ages with concerns related to their health and appearance.