( Nevus flammeus )
Definition
Definition
A port-wine stain is a mark that is usually present at birth. It is made of enlarged blood vessels. This makes it appear as a reddish-purple patch of skin.
Causes
Causes
Port-wine stains are caused by a problem with the small blood vessels in the skin. Blood vessels can normally open and close to meet the needs of the skin. In port-wine stains, the blood vessels stay open. Blood fills the vessels causing the purple color and raised skin. It is not clear what causes the problems with the blood vessels.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
There are no known risk factors for port-wine stains.
Conditions associated with port-wine stains include:
- Sturge-Weber syndrome
- Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms include a mark that may be:
- Reddish or purplish in color in adults
- Raised in adults
- A flat, red, or light purple lesion in children
- On the head or neck
- Prone to bleeding when scratched
- Dark and thick over time
A port-wine stain near the eyes may cause additional symptoms.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
A port-wine stain can typically be diagnosed based on its appearance. In some rare cases, a skin biopsy may be done.
Skin BiopsyCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Treatment
Treatment
Port-wine stains are generally harmless. They may cause emotional and social problems due to their visibility.
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
Lasers
Laser treatment may be used to destroy the blood vessels causing the stain. There are some risks with laser treatment. It may result in scarring and skin lightening or darkening.
Flash-lamp pumped pulse dye laser is one type used with port-wine stains. Multiple treatments may be necessary.
Other Treatments
Other treatment options include freezing, surgery, tattooing, and radiation. These treatments have had limited success. Lasers have replaced most of these treatments.
Prevention
Prevention
Port-wine stains cannot be prevented.
RESOURCES:
Vascular Birthmarks Foundation http://www.birthmark.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
Jasim ZF, Handley JM. Treatment of pulsed dye laser-resistant port wine stain birthmarks. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007 Oct;57(4):677-682.
Laser and non surgical enhancements. Duke University Medical Center website. Available at:
http://www.dukemedicine.org/treatments/dermatology/skin-care
Accessed June 8, 2015.
Port wine stain. Nemours Kids Health website. Available at:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/port_wine_stains.html
Updated September 2013. Accessed June 8, 2015.
Port-wine stain information. Vascular Birthmark Foundation website. Available at:
http://birthmark.org/node/23
Accessed June 8, 2015.
Last Updated: 5/11/2013