Birthmarks in Chambersburg, PA

About Birthmarks

A birthmark is an area that differs in texture or color from the rest of your skin. It may appear anywhere on your body and is visible at or soon after birth. While most birthmarks are harmless, if there is any concern, an evaluation at OneSkin Integrative Dermatology can help identify any issues. Our dermatology team is skilled in lesion evaluation in individuals of all ages. She will provide guidance on appropriate monitoring or treatment options. Schedule a consultation with us today to get a birthmark examination.

Types of Birthmarks

It is important to have birthmarks checked to help you decide if or how the mark should be treated. A member of our team will tell you about the type of birthmark and if any abnormalities are present. She can help determine if it's a sign of another condition and provide you with treatment options. The most common birthmarks include:

  • Café-au-lait spot (macule): A dark, flat mark that often develops on the butt or hips. The mark typically does not fade on its own.
  • Deep hemangioma (cavernous infantile hemangioma): A warm, firm lump under the skin. It can expand fast in the first year, creating bleeding or pain, which needs to be treated immediately. Many deep hemangiomas fade naturally in 5 – 10 years; however, they can leave a scar or mark behind.
  • Mole (congenital melanocytic nevus): A raised, brown spot that can develop anywhere on the face and body. Generally, moles do not disappear on their own.
  • Mongolian spot (dermal melanocytosis): More common in babies of Asian descent, this birthmark looks like a bruise. Often on the buttocks or low back, the spot usually fades naturally in several years.
  • Nevus sebaceous (organoid hamartoma): A hairless, raised patch, typically on the face or scalp. This birthmark can change but doesn't fade naturally.
  • Port-wine stain (nevus flammeus): A purple, pink, or red patch, generally found on the face, though it can develop anywhere on the skin. Without treatment, it will remain and may become darker or larger.
  • Salmon patch (nevus simplex): Sometimes called a stork's bite or an angel's kiss, these flat spots may be red or pink. Usually present on the neck or face, a salmon patch can fade or disappear naturally in a few years.
  • Infantile hemangioma: A rubbery or firm bright-red skin patch that generally forms on the neck or head. It might grow for 4 – 6 months and then fade, shrink, or soften. These often disappear by themselves in 1 – 10 years.

Whether you've got a birthmark you want to get rid of or you'd like to have more information on your baby's birthmark, schedule an appointment with a member of our dermatology team. They will conduct a comprehensive consultation to provide you with more information about the birthmark and outline possible treatment options. Contact OneSkin Integrative Dermatology in Chambersburg, PA to schedule a consultation.

About Us
What causes birthmarks?
Doctors and researchers are still unclear on the root causes of birthmarks, but they are generally believed to be genetic in nature. There are two types of birthmarks: vascular and pigmented. Vascular birthmarks are a result of blood vessels that did not form correctly. Pigmented birthmarks are caused by grouped clusters of melanin, or pigment cells, in the skin.
Can a birthmark go away on its own?
Yes, some birthmarks can go away or fade on their own, while others can be permanent. The types of birthmarks that can go away or fade on their own include certain hemangiomas, Mongolian spots, salmon patches, and infantile hemangiomas.
Are birthmarks dangerous to your health?

Not typically. Most birthmarks are benign and harmless, and many types can go away on their own or fade over time; however, they can be a cause of frustration as they can impact self-image and confidence. Our team may advise that some types of birthmarks should be watched for any changes, such as bleeding, pain, itching, dramatic size increases, or infections. Some birthmarks can increase your risk of skin cancer.

Can birthmarks be safely removed?
Yes, some birthmarks can be safely removed or diminished in appearance. There are a number of ways to remove or reduce the appearance of birthmarks, including laser treatments, surgery, certain medications, cryotherapy, and injections.

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Thorough discussion regarding my skin problem with the doctor. The approach to resolving my skin care problem was clearly explained allowing me to be confident in a resolution. Friendly and prompt staff made the experience comfortable and enjoyable.

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*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.