Birthmarks are a result of excess skin pigmentation, usually occurring before birth. These are the most common and usually fade as you age. Another type results from blood vessel disorders that can grow larger and become a cosmetic concern. If they are located in a highly visible place, they may cause embarrassment or self-consciousness. There are several techniques that can be used to remove large birthmarks.
Step 1
Massage the birthmark daily with castor oil. The oil contains ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid able to penetrate the skin to for birthmark removal. It promotes shedding of the underneath skin layers, gradually removing the birthmark. Castor oil does not leave a hole in the skin or discoloration like some surgical methods.
Step 2
Freeze your birthmark through cryotherapy. The extreme change in temperature cuts off blood circulation to the birthmark, eventually causing it to fall off.
Step 3
Consult your doctor about receiving corticosteroid injections. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that corticosteroids help shrink and fade birthmarks that block vital organs. It is important to understand risks of corticosteroid treatment, including discomfort, stunted growth in children and possible infection, scarring and discoloration of the skin around the birthmark.
Step 4
Visit your plastic surgeon and inquire about pulsed dye laser removal. The Mayo Clinic says that laser surgery stunts the growth of birthmarks caused by blood vessel disorders and treats sores associated with these marks. Common side effects include bleeding, infection and scarring, so consult with your surgeon before laser removal.
