As the name suggests, birthmarks are areas of discolouration on the skin which are present from birth and are often permanent. They may appear as red, pink, purple or brown patches and vary in size. Birthmarks can occur on any part of the body.
Some common natural remedies for birthmarks include applying lemon juice or olive oil to the affected area. Lemon juice has historically been used to fade freckles and lighten the hair. Dab a few drops of lemon juice on the birthmark, leave it for at least 20 minutes, wash it off with warm water and then dry your skin off with a clean towel. Repeat this process at least three times a day until the birthmark has faded.
Olive oil is a natural moisturiser and can be used to soften and condition rough-textured, dry areas of skin. Not only is it a great ingredient for keeping your skin healthy, some suggest it can be used as a natural remedy to help improve the appearance of your birthmark with continual use. Follow the same process as the lemon juice example above.
They usually disappear by the time the child reaches the age of seven, but will first become bigger before they shrink and eventually fade away completely. Some strawberry marks may require treatment; speak to a GP if you are concerned.
Cafe-au-lait spots : Café-au-lait spots are pale, flat coffee-colored patches of skin. Like most birthmarks, they are harmless, but if a child has more than six of these marks before they reach the age of five years old, it might be a symptom of a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis. Speak to your GP if you are concerned.
Birthmarks can be safely and effectively removed using a special type of laser. The treatment works by targeting the abnormal blood vessels or areas of pigmentation, breaking them up into tiny fragments so they can be disposed of naturally through the body’s immune system.
The laser is targeted, so although it’s powerful, it won’t damage the surrounding skin. You may need several treatment sessions in order to remove the birthmark completely and results can vary from person to person. Your practitioner will be able to assess your birthmark to ensure the correct type of laser and the right number of treatments is used to remove it.
Book An Appointment