Pigmentary and vascular formations are common. There is no person who did not have marks on the body. Formations are of different nature and localization. In some cases, birthmark removal is simply necessary. To do this, there are various methods of getting rid of.

Birthmarks (containing melanin pigment) or vascular elements should be removed in such cases:

1. The appearance of signs of malignancy.
2. High risk of damage.
3. Education is a serious cosmetic defect.

Signs of malignancy:

• sudden acceleration of growth, change in the form of education;
• education has lost symmetry;
• the appearance of new spots of a different color (black, pink, beige);
• the boundaries of the formation have become fuzzy, or smooth boundaries have become striated;
• the formation of ulcers, foci of hemorrhage or bleeding;
• the development of the inflammatory process, edema appeared around the formation;
• hair loss from the surface of the nevus;
• peeling of the surface, a feeling of constant itching.

If signs of degeneration appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor (dermatologist, oncologist) for advice.

He will conduct an examination, prescribe histological studies and diagnostics, if necessary.

Some birthmarks in babies may disappear over time. You shouldn't panic right away.

Methods of treatment

Damage to a mole does not always lead to rebirth. In this case, the treatment of a birthmark is reduced to the exclusion of the possibility of infection and the speedy restoration of the integrity of the integumentary tissues. After that, preventive examinations are carried out at home and with a specialist. Once the decision has been made to remove it, there are many options for how to do it. All of them have advantages and disadvantages, contraindications.

However, there are treatments for people who reject traditional medicine.

Attention! Remember, self-medication can harm your health!

laser removal

Laser removal of a hateful birthmark is one of the main methods offered to patients. The method is widely used due to its effectiveness.

The essence of the method:

• antiseptic treatment of the pathological area and the skin around;
• conducting local anesthesia by chipping the skin around the birthmark with an anesthetic solution;
• layer-by-layer removal of neoplasm layers with a laser.

Advantages of the technique:

• prevention of contact infection - the instrument and hands do not touch the wound surface;
• short recovery time, healthy tissues are not damaged;
• the depth and width of the impact are determined by the characteristics of the nevus;
• no bleeding during surgery;
• you can remove moles on the face and chest.

Negative sides:

• large formations are removed in several stages;
• temporary appearance of a dark mark at the site of the removed nevus;
• in case of non-compliance with the rules of care, there is a risk of infection;
• Allergy to laser irradiation is possible.

The procedure is contraindicated in the following cases:

• if a person suffers from diabetes, the disease slows down the regeneration of the epithelium;
• have a history of cancer;
• for any skin diseases (rashes, irritations);
• pregnancy, during which the sensitivity of the skin is greatly increased.

Surgical removal

Surgery has developed a simple and common option for removing any birthmark. This method has been used for a long time, it is the only one possible during the rebirth of education.

The essence of the method:

• preparation of the surgical field and local anesthesia;
• carrying out excision of the neoplasm within healthy tissues;
• tissue sampling for biopsy;
• suturing the wound with a cosmetic suture;
• re-treatment with an antiseptic;
• bandaging;
• further dressings are carried out every day until complete healing.

Advantages:

• surgical intervention does not require high-tech equipment or tools that require special training;
• low probability of recurrence due to the widest excision of tissues;
• affordable cost.

Flaws:

• in case of incomplete removal of the mole, there is a risk of recurrence or malignant degeneration;
• the duration of the recovery period - up to 2 weeks;
• in the case of a slowdown in the regeneration processes, the appearance of a keloid scar is likely;
• the possibility of infection in the postoperative period;
• you need to be in the hospital of the clinic;
• dangerous for the elderly.

Contraindications:

• the presence of a focus of inflammation;
• infectious diseases;
• the presence of chronic diseases in the acute stage;
• herpes;
• pregnancy and lactation are relative contraindications.

Attention! During pregnancy, it is not advisable to use the method; antibiotics are prescribed, the use of which can harm the child. Local anesthesia is completely safe for mother and child.

Cryodestruction

The essence of the method is the use of ultra-low temperature. For this, liquid nitrogen is used. As a result of exposure to cold, inflammation appears, slight swelling, a bubble is formed, which then subsides and forms a crust.

There are several options for acting on fabric:

1. Surface action: achieved by applying nitrogen to fabrics, or applying soaked cotton wool in nitrogen.
2. The direct effect is the introduction of nitrogen into the tissue (rarely used).

Advantages of the method:

• the method is easy to use;
• painlessness;
• the method is not invasive;
• available for all age groups;
• complications of the procedure are rare;
• possible use during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• no scars.

Flaws:

• possible damage to healthy tissues;
• the duration of the complete elimination of the birthmark is up to 4 weeks;
• large formations are removed in several stages.

Contraindications:

• skin diseases;
• oncology;
• localization of education on the face.

Electrocoagulation

The essence of the operation:

1. The operation site is treated with an antiseptic.
2. Injected with an anesthetic.
3. The pathological focus is removed by the action of a high-frequency current.
4. Put on a bandage.

Advantages:

• the duration of the procedure is about 30 minutes;
• no bleeding;
• scars do not appear;
• recovery time is short;
• can be used in any localization.

Flaws:

• there may be a feeling of discomfort at the venue;
• formations of a large area are not removed - a scar is formed;
• As a consequence, there is a risk of infection.

Contraindications:

• skin diseases;
• history of oncology;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• violation of the blood coagulation system.

How to get rid of a birthmark at home

At home, folk methods and medicines based on plant materials are widely used. They are not always able to help get rid of a significant birthmark, but they can affect the growth and development of small formations.

Pharmacy preparations

Stefalin: ointment based on vegetable raw materials, does not contain synthetic substances and alcohol. The composition of the base is an infusion of herbs, mixed with a collection, ground into powder. It is important to follow the instructions for the drug. You can not wet the mole with water. It is enough to apply the drug once a day before bedtime. During therapy, a crust will form, which can be steamed and removed independently.

Malavit: a substance based on plant components. The drug has a wide range of applications and forms of release (solution, cream). Compresses are made from it at night. It is previously recommended to steam out the application site. Over time, the malformation will darken and dry out. After this procedure should be stopped.

Kollomak: contains a number of acids that have a keratolytic effect and help to get rid of formations by softening, after which it is easier to remove. The term of application is from 3-4 days to a week. Possible side effect in the form of irritation and burning.

Cryopharm or Wartner: used to remove formations at home by cryodestruction. After freezing, the formations disappear after 10-14 days. Large or old moles may not go away the first time. Then you should repeat the application after 2 weeks.

Folk methods

Salicylic acid	Acid leads to gradual drying and desquamation of the birthmark. During application, try not to get on healthy skin. Ointment, available at any pharmacy at an affordable price.
Acetic acid	It is necessary to apply 1-2 drops of acid on the surface of the formation 2 times a day for a week. It is important that there is no damage to the formation itself and the skin around.
Lemon acid	If it is not possible to remove the pigmented birthmark, then it will be possible to lighten it. The scheme of application is the same as in the methods above.
Iodine	It has a cauterizing and irritating property due to which the mole (papilloma, nevus) will dry out and fall off. Every day, several times plentifully treat the malformation with iodine until the effect is obtained.
Laundry soap	The recipe suggests applying for 4 nights, applying a thick layer on the surface of the formation.
Celandine	For a cauterizing effect, it is enough to attach a cut of celandine to a wart or point, moistening the surface with plenty of juice. Over time, the formation will dry out and disappear.
Onion	Half an onion is soaked in vinegar for several hours. After that, apply education.
Oil	Castor oil would work well for the recipe. It is heated and rubbed warm into the mole.

Features of treatment taking into account localization

Birthmarks should be removed only when indicated.

Large formations (characteristic of brown birthmarks) are a cosmetic defect that is desirable to eliminate. Usually localized on the body in the face (forehead, eyes, bridge of the nose), back, on the feet in newborns.

The blue nevus has a characteristic localization on the thigh in persons 30-40 years old. It can not be removed if it does not cause discomfort.

Borderline, flat, red nevi should be excised in the presence of a cosmetic defect. They can be located anywhere in the body.

The attending physician will determine the presence of indications and contraindications for the procedure, give recommendations on the operation.

Contraindications for removal and care after the procedure

Contraindications:

• unknown nature of the nevus (malignant / benign);
• the presence of inflammation in the area of ​​the spot;
• pregnancy;
• allergy to herbal medicinal raw materials;
• diabetes;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Care features:

• treat the impact sites with antiseptics;
• avoid ultraviolet radiation (less walking in direct sunlight);
• it is impossible to mechanically and chemically irritate the wound;
• do not apply cosmetics after removing the growth on the face.

In ancient times, the presence of birthmarks on the human body was called the "seal of Satan." Today, the attitude towards these formations is not the same as it was before: they are not credited with mystical properties. Almost all people have birthmarks, regardless of age and skin color.

Some have only a few of them, while others can grow to very large sizes and cause discomfort. Someone gets used to their "marks", they give others a special charm, but, unfortunately, vascular nevi are not at all as harmless as they seem. After all, there is always a risk that this birthmark can develop into a malignant tumor.

Indications for removal:
1 ) permanent traumatization (epilation, shaving),
2 ) frequent irritation (belt, collar, straps),
3 ) degeneration of a birthmark (change in color or shape, appearance of scales, bleeding, increase in size, soreness).
Self-removal of any nevi is strictly contraindicated. A safe and modern way is the removal of birthmarks with a laser.

Advantages of the method:
a) thrombosis of small vessels,
b) bloodless operation,
c) surrounding tissues are not injured,
d) eliminates the possibility of metastases,
e) do not leave traces,
f) painlessness,
g) no contact with instruments,
h) fast recovery period.

The only disadvantage is that this method excludes the possibility of a histological examination.

Removal of birthmarks with a laser: contraindications

Pregnancy and lactation.

Taking drugs that increase sensitivity to light.

Diabetes mellitus with insulin dependence.

Herpes at the site of removal.

Blood diseases.

Fresh tan.

Oncological diseases.

How is the procedure?
At the request of the patient, local anesthesia is performed. Then the skin is cleansed and the birthmark is removed with a laser. During the procedure, you may feel a slight burning sensation and tingling. A small depression may remain at the site of removal of the nevus, which levels out in two weeks. The session lasts no more than five minutes, and the recovery period is only two weeks. After complete healing and renewal of the skin, no traces remain at the site of the former birthmark.

Care after removal
It is important to listen to the advice of experts in order to properly care for the skin after birthmark removal. The crust that forms must be protected from the effects of gels, water and creams. Its independent removal is not welcome, because in the first five days a new layer of skin grows under it, and removal can stop the formation of the epidermis, which is fraught with a scar or scar.

After self-rejection of the crust, delicate skin remains in its place, which must be protected from mechanical, thermal and ultraviolet effects. Complete healing occurs within twenty days. You need to take care of the treated area until the skin on it becomes the same color as around it.

Nevi or moles are benign pigmented spots or nodules that consist of accumulations of melanocytes of varying degrees of differentiation. They are always individual, have features. An exception includes situations when a birthmark on the face or other part of the body is inherited. Consider why birthmarks appear, and is it possible to remove a birthmark?

Causes of birthmarks

Almost everyone has moles. Some develop birthmarks in the process of life, others are born with marks. In all, the size, shape, and other parameters of neoplasms differ significantly.

For information, a congenital neoplasm can be observed only 2-3 months after the birth of a child.

Acquired birthmarks are caused by hormonal imbalance, trauma to the skin, exposure to ultraviolet rays, and other factors. Doctors still cannot say for sure what birthmarks arise from. In medical practice, there are several factors that can be the impetus for their occurrence. So, the reasons for the appearance of birthmarks are as follows:

• hereditary factor. Information about the mark is laid at conception, transmitted through the DNA of the parents;
• Changes in the hormonal balance in the body. For example, during the bearing of a child, after the birth of a baby, with menopause. The fault may be some diseases that, in the course of their course, disrupt the hormonal background. Most often they are caused by endocrine disorders;
• The negative impact of the environment. This category of factors includes a change of place of residence, respectively, and climatic conditions; excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays, the effect on the skin of toxic components;
• Infectious pathologies of the genitourinary system, etc.

In the modern world, the above factors are only assumptions that do not have an evidence base. Where do birthmarks on the face and other areas of the skin come from, scientists cannot answer for sure. The question remains open and requires further research.

Are birthmarks dangerous?

A birthmark does not pose a danger to human health and life. In other words, this is just a cosmetic defect that causes moral discomfort. The safety of a mole is determined by some criteria:

1. Clear contour;
2. The mark on the body has smooth edges;
3. The color is uniform;
4. Size up to 5 mm.

Persons with fair skin with freckles fall into the risk group for the transformation of moles into a malignant neoplasm; elderly men; if there is a malignant birthmark in the family history; a huge number of rashes on the body.

If the mole on the face changes, then this indicates danger. Signs that are a reason to see a doctor:

• The presence of an inflammatory process, when the skin around the nevus becomes red, there is a pain syndrome;
• Bleeding, the appearance of weeping and crusts against the background of the absence of injury to the element. Sometimes the neoplasm is covered with small sores;
• An increase in the birthmark is in length, not width;
• The appearance of a matte sheen at the stain.

Sunbathing with nevi is strictly prohibited. Many believe that a tan will help mask a cosmetic defect, and it will become less noticeable. But in reality it's not like that. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, the speck will become even darker, while the likelihood of harm to health increases, since the birthmark can transform into a malignant neoplasm.

Types of birthmarks

Before learning how to remove a birthmark, consider its varieties. Moles are flat and rising above the skin, smooth and rough, with and without hairline, with a wide base, and other types.

The most common type of nevus is a pigment spot. It is soft and dense structure. Normally, such spots are not characterized by an inflammatory process, hyperemia, and swelling.

Main types:

1. Giant form of nevus. Characteristics - the mark is covered with hair, differs in symmetrical localization, occupies a large area of ​​the skin, does not cause pain.
2. The blue nevus has a gray or blue color, a birthmark is localized on the face or upper limbs.
3. The rim or halo-nevus in appearance resembles a small knot of a brown hue, which has a light knot.
4. The Mongolian spot looks like a hematoma, is located on the buttocks or the lateral surface of the thighs.

Hemangiomas are a type of moles that consist of vascular tissue. They are distinguished by soreness and special susceptibility, since nerve roots take part in their occurrence.

The most common varieties include:

• The flat look is the most common. It rises slightly above the surface of the skin, the red birthmark consists of blood vessels;
• The stellate appearance is localized on the face and neck, has a red color, looks like a ray with asterisks;
• The cavernous view consists of cavities filled with blood, which are demarcated by partitions of connective tissue. There is pain on pressure.

Removal Methods

Many people, faced with a cosmetic problem, are interested in how to remove a birthmark on the face, can this be done? You can remove the nevus in the beauty parlor after a visual examination by the doctor and passing the necessary laboratory tests.

However, medical specialists identify contraindications that do not allow mechanical removal of birthmarks. These include infectious pathologies, a history of allergies, epileptic seizures, diabetes mellitus, and also if inflammatory processes occur in the body.

There are many ways to correct a cosmetic defect. They have their own advantages and disadvantages. Birthmark removal can be done by the following methods:

1. laser treatment. This option is effective and safe, the procedure is quick and painless. Removal does not leave scars and scars. After intervention, a crust forms at the site of the mark, which cannot be torn off. It should fall off on its own.
2. radio wave removal birthmarks on the face has many benefits. Manipulation does not lead to bleeding, the patient recovers quickly, there are no complications in the form of scars and scars.

How to remove a large birthmark? In this case, the doctor may recommend a conventional operation, which is performed with a scalpel. It is carried out under anesthesia. The spot is cut out, after the edge of the wound is sewn. Bandages will be needed over the next few days. When excising a nevus over 5 cm, a scar may remain. Later it is removed with the help of plastic surgery.

Worth knowing: many doctors believe that it is better to remove birthmarks surgically, since this manipulation allows you to take tissue for histological examination.

As a conclusion, we note that nevi are not dangerous. However, violation of their integrity is fraught with complications, degeneration into malignant melanoma of the skin. It is not recommended to use folk advice to remove nevi, this is fraught with serious problems in the future.

Gloss and the Internet promote perfectly smooth skin. But many people have birthmarks on their faces. Some of them give zest and uniqueness. Others create problems and discomfort. Such a cosmetic defect prevents men from shaving normally (and injuries and bleeding are dangerous), women from applying makeup.

Why do moles appear on the surface? Main reasons:

• love for artificial or natural tan. Those who cannot imagine their life without a beach, sea sun or solarium run the risk of acquiring a huge number of birthmarks;
• predisposition. In some types of dermis, natural UV protection is reduced. Therefore, from the sun and other aggressive factors, pigmentary changes on the skin quickly progress. People with light eyes and hair fall into the zone of such risk. They painfully react to prolonged exposure to the sun, the surface of the skin turns red, swells, defects appear;
• a birthmark with jagged edges may occur due to long-term use of medications. This category includes antiallergic drugs, some antibiotics. Alcohol-containing substances, when exposed to ultraviolet radiation, quickly generate an increased amount of pigment in certain areas;
• natural degenerative changes. In adulthood, melanin synthesis is somewhat confused. Scientists explain this by deep disturbances in trophism and innervation of the subcutaneous tissue, stagnation of blood and end products of metabolism in the deep layers;
• hormonal fluctuations. During puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause, the endocrine system works in a stressful mode. Therefore, fluctuations in the hormonal background often affect the state of the dermis.

Girl with a birthmark on her face

Types of cosmetic defect

Dermatologists distinguish several varieties of the phenomenon of increased melatonin synthesis:

birthmarks in children

Babies in most cases are born with a clean and uniform skin. But in some cases, on the dermis of the baby there are:

• specific salmon-colored spots. They do not protrude above the surface, they are located on the bridge of the nose, cheekbones or temples of the baby. They are also called "stork tracks";
• hemangioma. Occurs after the first month of a child's life. It is predominantly red in color on any part of the body. Dissolves quickly. Almost 90% of hemangiomas go away by the first year of a baby's life;
• wine points. This is a birthmark from a small plexus of thin superficial vessels. Located on any part of the body, removed only by laser or radio wave methods;
• "fiery birthmark". This is a type of disease when pigmentation affects the cells of the subcutaneous layer of the dermis. Neoplasms never develop into melanoma, but grow in parallel with the baby. If the neoplasm protrudes above the skin, hurts or bleeds, then they turn to a dermatologist for help.

Red birthmark in a child

Surgical manipulation is often powerless with such problems in babies. It leaves scars and scars. Such keloid marks bring no less discomfort than nevi. Parents need to take this issue seriously. Moles on the face can cause serious psychological discomfort or complexes. Therefore, it is necessary to correct the situation in the operational mode.

Birthmarks on the face occur most often in:

• children with a very light type of dermis;
• premature babies;
• if the parents had a tendency to increased formation of moles;
• girls.

All these categories of children require increased attention from parents and a preventive visit to a dermatologist once every 3 months. So it will be possible to prevent the degeneration of cells and the growth of the defect.

When should a defect be removed?

A reborn birthmark on a man's face

• sharp asymmetry. If the nevus had smooth edges, and suddenly growth began in different directions, then this is a signal of intensive cell division processes, a possible oncological degeneration;
• uneven edges. The nevus should have clear boundaries. If they are vague, there is no clear boundary between the healthy dermis and the problem area, then consult a dermatologist;
• inclusions of different colors. If the pigmentation has several shades in a small area, then this indicates the activity of the processes. And only a histological examination will give an idea of ​​the nature of the phenomenon;
• size. If the pigmented neoplasm has a diameter of up to 6 mm, then the situation in most cases is not dangerous. But if the nevus is of a solid size, then periodically visit a dermatologist-oncologist once every 3 months to prevent pathology;
• rapid changes in consistency, texture, etc.

Also, experts advise you to contact a dermatologist-surgeon if:

• the nevus is often injured. This happens on the face of men when shaving, in women - in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe fasteners of the bra, straps, on the neck. Constant mechanical irritation causes the degeneration of normal cells into oncological neoplasms;
• mole started hurting. Discomfort is a signal for immediate medical intervention.

Experts advise to consult a dermatologist-surgeon

There are practically no contraindications to the removal of nevi. But, like any surgical intervention, it is not carried out during the period of exacerbation of a cold. If the patient has pathologies from the cardiovascular system, then the surgeon carefully chooses anesthesia and a method for correcting a cosmetic defect.

Laser removal

How to get rid of a birthmark? Use a laser. The method is so widely used due to its weighty advantages:

Despite all the advantages of the method, laser surgery has one significant drawback. After exposure to the neoplasm, there is no material left for histological examination. Therefore, the decision to use this method is made not by the patient, but by the dermatologist. He must be convinced by other methods of examination, for example, when using a special magnifying device with illumination, that the neoplasm is guaranteed to be of a benign nature.

Modern ways to solve the problem

To correct the condition use:

• cryodestruction. The tumor is exposed to liquid nitrogen. The tube of the device is directed to the nevus. From exposure to low temperatures, the blood supply to the area stops, trophism is disturbed, the vessels quickly subside, and the skin undergoes destruction. A dark scar remains at the site of manipulation, which disappears in a couple of days. The method is ideal for shallow neoplasms, but not always suitable for the face. With its help, nevi are removed on the body (neck, back and other areas);
• electrocoagulation. The method is similar to the previous one, but high temperature is used. After manipulation, a crust forms, which disappears after a few days. The procedure may leave scars, so it is undesirable to use the method on the face;

  

  Electrocoagulation of birthmarks on the face

• radio wave surgery. With its help, it is really possible to remove a cosmetic defect. The installation for radio wave surgery is mainly located in clinics and oncology departments. The method is suitable for correcting a defect of a malignant and benign nature, does not leave scars. These advantages allow the use of radio wave surgery to remove a birthmark on the face;
• scalpel excision. This method is used when the neoplasm affects the deep layers of the subcutaneous tissue, there are many nevi. It is carried out only in the surgical department by a specialist. The course of the operation includes the preparation of the site. If necessary, shave off the hair, wash the skin, treat with an antiseptic. The surgeon makes an incision with a scalpel, affecting the subcutaneous tissue and epidermis. After excision of the site, cosmetic sutures are applied to the edges of the wound. They do not leave scars after recovery, allow the skin to renew itself faster, prevent bleeding, inflammation and other complications.

Prevention

We figured out how to remove a birthmark from the surface of the skin. Now it's time to talk about preventive measures. A defect can actually be prevented if:




Also remember that no matter how fashionable and spectacular a tan is, you have one skin. Therefore, you should not put it to the test in a solarium, on the sea coast. After all, ultraviolet radiation not only increases the rate of appearance of moles, but also reduces the elasticity and strength of the skin. Dermatologists even have a special term “photoaging”. This is a condition when, after sunburn, small mimic wrinkles and pigmentation, flabbiness appear on the surface.

Some people are born with noticeable skin markings that vary in size, shape, color, and location. These marks are called birthmarks. Birthmarks cannot be prevented; some of them disappear on their own over time, others remain. If you or your child has a birthmark that you want to get rid of, you can try various methods using medicine. You can also try to remove the birthmark with untested home remedies, but success is not guaranteed in this case.

Steps

Proven medical methods

Consult a dermatologist regarding the choice of medications for the skin. Often, vascular birthmarks (such as hemangioma) can be treated with corticosteroids. Corticosteroids prevent and reduce the spread of birthmarks, but they do not completely remove the marks.

Learn about laser therapy that can shrink a birthmark and prevent it from spreading. This method consists in the treatment of the birthmark with short dotted pulses of laser radiation. This method is used to make the stain less visible, reduce its size and stop further spread.

Try cryosurgery to get rid of birthmarks. This method uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the stain, after which it separates from the rest of the skin.

• First, liquid nitrogen is applied, which freezes the skin on and under the birthmark itself. After that, the hardened skin is scraped off with a special tool, the so-called curette.
• Please note that after a cryosurgical procedure, a light scar often remains in place of the birthmark.

1. Consider surgical removal of the birthmark. This surgery involves removing a small amount of skin and does not require hospitalization. Even though this is a fairly easy procedure, it is still an invasive surgical procedure, so a preoperative examination is required before it.

   • Nevi and hemangiomas are surgically removed.
   • In place of the birthmark, if it is quite large, a scar may remain.
   • During the procedure, local anesthesia is used to desensitize the area of ​​skin to be operated on before the birthmark is cut out with a scalpel. After removing the stain, the skin is sutured with absorbable threads.
   • Surgical excision is often used to remove deep-lying birthmarks.

2. Ask about surgical curettage. In this method, the surgical incision does not involve sutures. The operation is performed using a traditional lancet or with an electrocautery.

   • During the operation, local anesthesia is applied, leading to numbness of the skin around the birthmark, after which the stain is cut out with a small scalpel.
   • This method is often used to remove small birthmarks, and usually does not require postoperative sutures.

3. Apply vitamin E in oil form to the skin. This vitamin has antioxidant properties, so it can be useful when removing moles. Mix vitamin E in oil form with orange juice and apply on the mole.

Recognition of birthmarks

1. Determine if your birthmark is congenital. A congenital mole, also called a congenital nevus, is a pigmented spot (resulting from an overgrowth of melanin-producing cells) on the skin that usually appears at an early age. Such moles are characterized by the following features:

   • Yellowish brown, brown, red, pink, blue or black.
   • Smooth, flat, wrinkled or convex surface.
   • Oval or round shape.
   • The diameter usually does not exceed 5-6 millimeters, but larger moles of this type are sometimes found.
   • Sometimes hair grows on such moles.
   • Most birthmarks are harmless, but in some cases they can cause cancer. Watch for such moles, and if you notice that their appearance is changing, see a doctor.