Vascular VS Pigmented Birthmarks: What Are Their Differences?
Birthmarks occur due to a variety of factors, including genetic and environmental factors, as well as issues that arise during the development of the fetus. There are two main types of birthmarks: vascular birthmarks and pigmented birthmarks.
VASCULAR BIRTHMARKS
Vascular birthmarks are caused by abnormal growth of blood vessels. This can be due to genetic factors, environmental factors, or a combination of both. Vascular birthmarks can occur because of abnormal development of the blood vessels in the fetus, or because of an overgrowth of blood vessels after birth.
Vascular birthmarks are markings or spots on the skin that are caused by abnormal growth of blood vessels. There are several types of vascular birthmarks, including:
1. Hemangioma: A red or purple spot that appears on the skin shortly after birth. Hemangiomas are more common in female infants and in premature infants. They grow rapidly in the first few months of life and then gradually shrink over time.
2. Port-wine stain: A flat, red or purple spot that is present at birth and does not change in size or shape over time. Port-wine stains are caused by dilated blood vessels in the skin and can occur anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found on the face, neck, and arms.
3. Venous malformation: A spot or area of skin that is dark blue or purple in color and appears as a result of a buildup of blood in the veins. Venous malformations can occur anywhere on the body and can be present at birth or develop later in life.
4. Arterial malformation: A spot or area of skin that is bright red in color and appears as a result of a buildup of blood in the arteries. Arterial malformations can occur anywhere on the body and can be present at birth or develop later in life.
5. Lymphatic malformation: A spot or area of skin that is light blue in color and appears as a result of a buildup of lymphatic fluid in the lymphatic vessels. Lymphatic malformations can occur anywhere on the body and can be present at birth or develop later in life.
The best way to treat a vascular birthmark will depend on the specific type of birthmark, its location and size, and the individual patient. However, some common treatment options for each type of vascular birthmark include:
1. Hemangioma: For small hemangiomas, no treatment may be necessary, as they will often shrink on their own over time. For larger or more problematic hemangiomas, treatment options may include topical or oral medications, such as corticosteroids, or laser therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
2. Port-wine stain: Port-wine stains can be treated with laser therapy, such as a pulsed-dye laser (PDL), which delivers energy in the form of light that is absorbed by the abnormal blood vessels, causing them to shrink and fade. In severe cases, laser therapy may need to be repeated multiple times to achieve the desired outcome.
3. Venous malformation: Venous malformations can be treated with a combination of laser therapy and surgery, depending on the size and location of the birthmark. Laser therapy, such as a pulsed-dye laser (PDL), can be used to shrink the abnormal blood vessels, while surgery can be used to remove the malformation entirely.
4. Arterial malformation: Arterial malformations can be treated with a combination of laser therapy and surgery, depending on the size and location of the birthmark. Laser therapy, such as a pulsed-dye laser (PDL), can be used to shrink the abnormal blood vessels, while surgery can be used to remove the malformation entirely.
5. Lymphatic malformation: Lymphatic malformations can be treated with a combination of laser therapy, sclerotherapy, and surgery, depending on the size and location of the birthmark. Laser therapy, such as a pulsed-dye laser (PDL), can be used to shrink the abnormal blood vessels, while sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into the malformation to shrink it. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the malformation entirely.
It’s important to discuss the best treatment options for your specific case with your doctor or dermatologist. Your doctor can provide guidance on the best way to manage your birthmark, taking into account the specific type, location, and size of the birthmark, as well as the individual patient. At The Clifford Clinic, we house the V-beam, a laser system that is capable of treating vascular birthmarks and is often used for acne scar treatment in Singapore.
PIGMENTED BIRTHMARKS
Pigmented birthmarks are caused by an overgrowth of pigment-producing cells. This can be due to genetic factors, environmental factors, or a combination of both. Pigmented birthmarks can occur as a result of an overproduction of pigment in the fetus or as a result of an overgrowth of pigment-producing cells after birth.
There are several types of pigmented birthmarks, including:
1. Mongolian spot: A flat, blue-gray or blue-black spot that is present at birth and most commonly found on the lower back, buttocks, and legs. Mongolian spots are more common in people with darker skin and typically fade over time.
2. Café-au-lait spot: A light-brown or coffee-colored spot that is present at birth and can occur anywhere on the body. Café-au-lait spots are more common in people with fairer skin and may increase in size and number over time.
3. Nevus of Ota: A blue or gray-brown spot that is found on the face, specifically around the eye, temple, and cheek. Nevus of Ota is more common in people with darker skin and may cause discoloration of the eye or vision problems if it affects the eye.
4. Congenital melanocytic nevus: A dark brown or black spot that is present at birth and can occur anywhere on the body. Congenital melanocytic nevi can range in size from small spots to large patches and may be associated with an increased risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
5. Lentigo: A small, flat, circular spot that is brown or black in color and can occur anywhere on the body. Lentigines are more common in people with lighter skin and may increase in number as a person ages.
Treatment for pigmented birthmarks depends on the specific type, location, and size of the birthmark, as well as the individual patient. Options for treatment may include:
1. Mongolian spot: No treatment may be necessary, as these birthmarks typically fade on their own over time. If a Mongolian spot is causing discomfort or cosmetic concerns, laser therapy may be used to fade the birthmark.
2. Café-au-lait spot: No treatment may be necessary, as these birthmarks may fade on their own over time. If a café-au-lait spot is causing cosmetic concerns, laser therapy or topical medications may be used to lighten the birthmark.
3. Nevus of Ota: If a nevus of Ota is causing cosmetic concerns, laser therapy may be used to fade the birthmark. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the birthmark entirely.
4. Congenital melanocytic nevus: Congenital melanocytic nevi may need to be closely monitored for changes over time, as they may be associated with an increased risk of developing skin cancer later in life. If a congenital melanocytic nevus is causing cosmetic concerns, laser therapy or surgery may be used to remove the birthmark entirely.
5. Lentigo: No treatment may be necessary, as these birthmarks may fade on their own over time. If a lentigo is causing cosmetic concerns, laser therapy may be used to fade the birthmark.
There are several laser systems that are used to treat pigmented birthmarks, including:
1. Pico and Q-switch laser: This type of laser is commonly used to treat pigmented birthmarks, including café-au-lait spots, nevus of Ota, and congenital melanocytic nevi. The lasers produce short bursts of high-intensity light that target and break down the excess pigment in the birthmark.
2. Alexandrite laser: This type of laser is often used to treat lighter pigmented birthmarks, including lentigines and café-au-lait spots. The Alexandrite laser uses a high-energy laser beam to target the pigment in the birthmark and break it down.
The laser system used to treat a pigmented birthmark depends on the specific type, location, and size of the birthmark, as well as the individual patient. Your doctor can provide guidance on the best laser system for your specific case, considering the specific type, location, and size of the birthmark, as well as the individual patient.
The number of treatments needed to clear a birthmark varies depending on the specific type, location, and size of the birthmark, as well as the individual patient. However, many patients experience significant improvement after just a few laser treatments.