Every person has birthmarks and moles. These are benign pigmented neoplasms of neuroectodermal origin. They are clusters of nevus cells in the dermis or epidermis. The scientific term that is used in relation to this phenomenon is melanocytic nevi. They appear on the body, because the genetic program accumulated by previous generations is embedded in the skin.
In the Middle Ages, the presence of birthmarks on the skin was considered a devilish mark, for which women often paid with their lives (they were burned at the stake). And in the 18th century, moles became simply fashionable: artificial “flies” were applied to the faces of the first beauties of Europe. Today they are practically not paid attention to, provided, of course, that they do not spoil the appearance of their possessor or possessor.
Birthmarks appear on the skin immediately after the birth of the baby or during the first year of life. Sometimes they disappear by about seven years. However, in most cases they remain for life. The appearance of moles and birthmarks is possible at a later time, at almost any age. They have different shapes and sizes, differ in color (from dark brown to black-brown), their surface can be both smooth and uneven. The mass appearance of moles occurs during puberty.
Birthmarks are of two types: pigment and vascular. Pigment spots are brown and almost black. Vascular - pale pink or red. Birthmarks themselves are harmless, but in some cases their degeneration into a malignant formation (melanoma) is possible. If the moles gradually begin to increase or change color, inflammation is noticeable or a change in their structure and shape is observed, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Sometimes the so-called “white birthmark” may appear on the skin. In fact, such a stain is not a birthmark. Its manifestation is associated with the disappearance of the pigment melanin. This is a skin disease, the cause of which is still not known exactly. Perhaps this is facilitated by disorders of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and gonads. If such spots appear, you need to consult a doctor who will help you choose a remedy for treatment.
Special care for birthmarks, as a rule, is not required. But they must be protected from damage, as they can provoke degeneration into a tumor. If the spots are quite large, it is necessary during prolonged exposure to the sun to protect them from ultraviolet radiation. In such cases, do not use a solarium at all. In order to avoid degeneration into melanoma, one should not pull hairs from the surface of the birthmark or injure it in any similar way.
In some cases, when the stain begins to grow, causes inconvenience or threatens health (it may turn into melanoma), the removal of birthmarks is required. The decision on the operation must be made by the oncologist. Sometimes such a radical method of struggle as removal is also resorted to for cosmetic purposes. But there must be a good reason for this. It is recommended to remove moles and spots located on the scalp, on the palms, soles, in the natural folds of the skin, in the perineum, and shaving areas. In other cases, surgery is undesirable.
There are non-surgical methods for getting rid of birthmarks. These are laser therapy, cryotherapy and hormonal treatment.
Laser therapy is the most modern method that allows you to painlessly remove birthmarks without leaving scars and scars. But this method can not be derived any kind of spots. A proven method that has been used for quite some time is cryotherapy (cauterization with liquid nitrogen). The procedure is painless, it is carried out in several stages, as a result, the stain disappears, but sometimes scar formation is possible. Hormonal drugs (steroids) slow down the growth of spots.
It is possible to discolor and remove birthmarks with the help of folk remedies. For example, figs help to cope with this. Unripe berries need to be lubricated or applied to dressings until dark spots disappear. You can also use the juice of the herb garden rue.