Table of contents:
- The meaning of birthmarks on the body based on their type, shape, color and location
- Vascular type birthmarks
- 1. Hemangioma
- 2. Port-wine stain (nevus flammeus)
- Pigment type mole
- 1. Mole (nevus pigmentosus)
- 2. Café au lait (coffee milk stain)
- 3. Mongolian spot
About 50% of people in this world have birthmarks, aka "tompel" or moles on their skin. The appearance of birthmarks cannot be separated from factors of race and heredity. Thai people, for example, have a birthmark in the form of a bluish gray spot. Because everyone can have a different type and shape and location of birthmarks, birthmarks are usually used as an identity to identify someone who is missing or dead. What are the common types of birthmarks, and what do they mean? Here's the explanation.
The meaning of birthmarks on the body based on their type, shape, color and location
In general, human birthmarks are classified into two major sections, namely the vascular and pigment groups.
Vascular type birthmarks
The meaning of a vascular birthmark comes from a vascular abnormality. There are two types of birthmarks that belong to the vascular type, namely hemangiomas and port-wine stain.
1. Hemangioma
Hemangioma is one of the most common types of birthmarks. Hemangioma birthmarks originate from the cells that make up blood vessels, which begin to appear in the womb.
The hallmark of a hemangioma birthmark is a red patch that is usually found on the back of the neck, eyelids, or forehead - although it can appear anywhere.
Hemangioma
This type of birthmark initially appears as bleeding spots under the skin. The red spots will then develop into purplish blue bumps. These types of birthmarks can fade over time. although some require surgery to be removed.
2. Port-wine stain (nevus flammeus)
The meaning of this type of birthmark comes from its appearance as a flat pink patch that over time turns a red to purple, similar to the color of wine. Flammus nevus birthmarks often appear on the head or face area. These birthmarks appear in three out of 1,000 babies.
Port-wine stain occurs due to dilation of blood vessels in certain areas of the body. In addition to using laser therapy, flammus nevus can also be disguised by using make up.
Pigment type mole
The meaning of a pigment type birthmark is a patch that is formed from the buildup of melanocytes (natural skin dyes) in one particular area of the skin.
1. Mole (nevus pigmentosus)
Apart from hemangiomas, moles are other birthmarks that are most commonly found. Moles can appear on any area of the body and vary in color and size - large, small, flat, raised, dark or pale in color.
Mole
Most moles are harmless, although they can be removed surgically if they interfere with appearance. You should check with your doctor immediately if your mole changes in shape, color, or size. It could be a mole, a sign of skin cancer.
2. Café au lait (coffee milk stain)
As the name implies, this birthmark looks like coffee milk spots, light to dark brown in color. Indonesians may be more familiar with the term "tompel".
Café au lait birthmark
Tompel café au lait most commonly appears as an oval on the back, buttocks, and legs or feet. The size also varies, from small to large and wide.
Like moles, this type of birthmark can be removed with a laser method if it disturbs your appearance.
3. Mongolian spot
Mongolian spot birthmarks are generally flat, gray-blue spots with irregular shapes. Indonesians also commonly refer to it as "tompel".
Mongolian spot
Mongolian spots often appear on the buttocks, back, or shoulders. Mongolian spots can fade on their own as the child enters puberty.
