PORT WINE STAIN
A port wine stain, or nevus flammeus, is a birthmark consisting of malformed, dilated blood vessels in the skin. These are flat, dark red patches, most commonly found on the face followed by the upper part of the body. It does almost look as if some dark red wine has stained the skin. Anyone can be born with a port wine stain and they occur in about 1 in 200 to 400 births. There is no evidence for genetic influence.
Port wine stains are present at birth and are permanent unless treated. Port wine stains may change from pink in infancy to red in early adulthood to deep purple during middle age in some individuals. In infancy and childhood, the color darkens with crying, fever, or overheating. The surface may become thickened with a cobblestone like texture and if on the face up to 65% of these birthmarks develop these changes during adulthood. Nodules within the birthmark also may develop in adulthood.
These lesions do not need to be treated however many patient seek treatment for the cosmetic, social, and psychological benefits.
Laser treatments for port wine stain birthmarks can be very effective. A reasonable result would be about a 70% reduction in color. It may take from 6 to 18 treatments to get the desired result. Due to the wide variation in presentation an estimate on cost can only be done after consultation.