As parents, we do all we can make our children feel comfortable in the world and in their own skin. When your child has a birthmark visible to others, it is not uncommon to be met with stares or comments. Other parents may tell their kids it is impolite to stare and trot them off in another direction. This happens most often because those parents are not comfortable with the situation. Seldom do these parents have any idea what to do or say, yet it could be a teachable moment.
Just a Little Different
You may have people asking, “What’s wrong with her or her face?” While it is a matter of being curious, the question makes the false assumption that something is wrong. Most birthmarks are no more than a physical difference and pose no health threat. Port wine stains, hemangiomas, pigmented skin lesions and moles occur randomly in babies. In fact, more than 10% of all babies born have some type of birthmark.
Birthmarks and moles can occur on any part of the body. When they occur on exposed parts of the body like the face, neck and arms, people may stare or inquire out of curiosity. Unfortunately, in some instances, like a large port wine stain, a birthmark can be the source for cruel or ridiculing comments from other children.
The message to get across is that there is nothing wrong with a birthmark or a person who has one. It is just a matter of that area of skin being a little different. Let your child know that everyone has something that makes them unique and special. In those teachable moments, impress upon your child that what is on the inside is the most important thing. As vital as they may seem, looks are not everything.
Treatment for Birthmarks
Even though most birthmarks are benign and pose no health risks, the appearance and/or location of some of them can be aesthetically undesirable. Dr. Eric Cerrati treats a variety of birthmark conditions at his offices in Salt Lake City and South Jordan, Utah. These include hemangioma, port wine stains, pigmented skin lesions, moles and vascular malformations.
Contact our practice to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Cerrati. When you have questions about your child’s birthmark or mole, he will be happy to answer them and provide guidance for treatment following diagnosis.
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