These are distinctive blue marks which usually appear on the baby’s lower back or buttocks. They are commoner in darker skinned people, but also occur in Caucasians. They vary from small spots to quite extensive ones, but all are harmless. Most will fade significantly within 2 years after the baby’s birth.
Port wine stains
These are large pink or red birthmarks which are caused by dilated capillaries. In contrast to most other birthmarks, they do not fade with time. They can occur anywhere on the body, most commonly on one side of the face, on the back, or on the limbs.,
Until recently there was no satisfactory treatment for these stains but some can now be made to undergo significant fading through use of laser technology. This treatment is now available in Australia for both children and adults. The laser welds shut dilated blood vessels (photocoagulation) without causing permanent scarring to the skin. The process cannot completely remove port wine stains but they can usually be dramatically lightened. A patch of around 1 cm square is always tested before a full course of treatment is embarked on, as treatment can be painstakingly long if large marks are involved. The sensation of the laser on the skin is similar to a pin-prick, and most children tolerate it well. Local anaesthetic may be used if an extensive or particularly sensitive area is to be treated. Redness, blistering and scabbing will occur in the few days immediately after treatment but this soon heals. Treatments are usually spaced 4 weeks apart, and a new area is worked on each time. It is a slow and delicate procedure.
You should discuss fully with your child how he feels about having his birthmark lightened, before subjecting him to this treatment. If he carries a lot of emotional baggage associated with the mark, is constantly teased about it and is highly conscious of it, it may well be worthwhile discussing the possibility of laser treatment with your doctor, who can refer you to an appropriate specialist centre.
*293\90\8*
Leave a reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.