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The
Condition
Pigmented Lesions are birthmarks resulting from malformed
pigment cells that usually are brown in color. Excess
melanin, the substance giving skin its color, is the one
causing Pigmented Lesions.
There
are different kinds of Pigmented Lesions: Café-au-lait
birthmarks, Nevus of Ota birthmarks, Freckles and Age
Spots. Café-au-lait birthmarks are spots that are light
brown in color, which can be small or very large, and can
appear on any part of the body. Nevus of Ota is a type of
large birthmark usually found on the face, which is mostly
common in Asians. Freckles or Ephilides are very small
spots of concentrated pigment caused by the sun exposure.
On the other hand, Age Spots or Lentigines or Liver Spots,
are abnormal pigment accumulations in the surface of the
skin due years of sun exposure. These can appear on the
face, neck, chest, back, even in the forearms and hands.
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Treatments Available
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Pigment-specific Laser Treatment
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Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment
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Chemical Peel
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Frequently Asked
Questions
Q:
What causes Pigmented Lesions?
A:
Excess
melanin, which is the substance giving skin its color, is
the one causing Pigmented Lesions. It can occur from birth
or due to age and over-exposure to the sun.
Q:
Which type Pigmented Lesions can be treated with laser?
A:
Café-au-lait birthmarks, Age Spots and Freckles are the most
treated Pigmented Lesions. These three are caused by excess
melanin due to sunlight exposure and congenital factors.
Q:
What are alternative treatments?
A:
Pigmented Lesions and Age Spots are problems that do not
need medical treatment. The use of tretinoin or Retin-A,
topical vitamin-C or fade creams are recommended although
the results are unpredictable and the wait time for results
is about six months or even more. The use of make-up is
also an option for these Pigmented Lesions. Cryotherapy is
also an alternative although it leaves white unpigmented
areas or small scars.
Q:
Are the results permanent?
A:
Most
Pigmented Lesions that are completely removed will not go
back. But Café-au-lait spots can return due to sun
exposure. Permanency of the results of the treatment cannot
be guaranteed. Also Age Spots and Freckles will continue to
appear due to aging. Be reminded that the appearance of new
lesions is not to be considered a recurrence.
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