What causes birthmarks and abnormal pigmented skin patches?
Birthmarks occur when an area of the skin does not develop normally before birth. There are many types. Pigmented birthmarks may develop with increased pigment cells, nevus cells (cells seen in moles), increased hair, and Epidermal nevus (a warty linear growth). Vascular birthmarks develop with higher than normal concentrations of blood vessels. What are the risks of birthmarks? Some pigmented birthmarks have a greater risk of becoming a deadly melanoma skin cancer. Always check with a dermatologist and have a biopsy performed on any birthmark that is abnormal in appearance or changes color. Such precautions could prevent deadly skin cancer. How are birthmarks treated? One option is to remove the birthmark surgically and then sew the normal skin together. This option is only practical for smaller birthmarks, moles and abnormal skin pigment patches. A second option is to use a laser to lighten the skin pigment in areas where it is abnormal. While not every pigmented birthmark can be com
