Café-au-lait spots are birthmarks arising from pigment cells in the skin. They are seen as brownish, evenly coloured, flat and sharply defined skin changes.
Many have one or two spots. If you have more than five spots, the spots may be a sign of an underlying disease/medical condition (including neurofibromatosis).
The skin changes are due to increased formation of pigment (melanin) locally in the skin. The cause is unknown. Café-au-lait spots are not the same as congenital moles.
Café-au-lait stains are harmless and do not require treatment. They darken when exposed to the sun, and the use of sun protection/sun cream can therefore prevent them from becoming deeply pigmented (dark brown). It is possible to laser treat café-au-lait spots on a cosmetic basis, but there is no guarantee of effectiveness. The skin changes can also return after treatment. As a rule, only good sun protection and no treatment is recommended.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
