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Dealing with a Purple Birthmark

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Birthmarks come in all shapes and sizes – small, big, brown and yes, even purple. Port-wine stains are the purple patches you may see on your face, scalp or neck.

Port-wine stains appear when an area of skin doesn’t get a sufficient supply of nerve fibers. As a result, blood vessels expand to form the birthmark. These birthmarks typically aren’t physically painful or dangerous, but they may cause some emotional distress depending on size and location on the body. They darken over time and, while early stains are usually flat, the thickening of a lesion or the development of small lumps can occur.

Many treatments are available for port-wine stains. Laser treatments are commonly considered the most effective option. Treatments should be started as early in life as possible for best results. Quality cosmetics can also provide coverage for many birthmarks as a less invasive option.  To determine the best option for you or your child, schedule a consultation to speak with one of our experienced dermatologists.

If you have any questions about port-wine stains and treatment options, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Moles and Birthmarks

Here at Knoxville Dermatology Group we deal with a variety of skin conditions. We see conditions that have developed over time. We also see conditions like congenital nevi that are present at birth.

Congenital nevi are moles or birthmarks that result from a proliferation of benign melanocytes or skin pigment cells. Although they are benign, congenital nevi are one of several risk factors for the eventual development of melanoma. This risk is dependent on the size of the moles. Small nevi, which are very common, have a lower risk of developing melanoma and the opposite is true for larger nevi.

Along with increased pigmentation of the skin, these moles often have an increased amount of hair. They do not generally cause pain but they may cause discomfort because of the lack of fatty tissue. There is no known method of prevention, but it is not a hereditary condition.

Any change in size or color of congenital nevi should be brought to the attention of your dermatologist. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

If you have any questions about congenital nevi or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.