Café au lait spots

Posted on 12 Oct, 2011

Café au lait spots are a type of birthmark that typically appears either before or just after birth. The birthmark was given this name as it often takes on the colour of a milky coffee. The birthmark may form anywhere on the body and can vary in size. They are harmless, although it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the form, colour and texture of any birthmarks.

Many people live quite happily with café au lait spots. They can be small and unobtrusive, easy to conceal, or pale enough to cause little or no effect on the subject.

Larger, more prominent café au lait spots can cause problems, however. While a birthmark on a child’s forehead may not be harmful, it can cause embarrassment and distress once the infant starts to interact with others and becomes aware of their appearance.

In this case, the café au lait spot could become detrimental to the child’s social development, and birthmark removal is an option that should be considered. The procedure is sophisticated but simple for the patient. The Advanced Intense Pulsed Light is applied to the affected area, causing it to heat up, and the excess pigmentation to disintegrate.

While some people can accept their birthmarks, others can find theirs to be a handicap, and birthmark removal is the most effective way to deal with the issue.