About this topic
A port-wine stain is a kind of birthmark. A birthmark is a colored mark on the skin. A baby may have a port-wine stain from birth. It is a reddish-purple birthmark caused by swollen blood vessels. These can happen on the face, neck, or body. They most often respond well to laser treatment, especially when it is done at an early age and when it is on the face. Sometimes, these birthmarks are a sign of another health problem. ‚
What are the causes?
It is not known why birthmarks happen. Most birthmarks are not inherited or passed down in families. Doctors believe that port-wine stains happen because of a problem with blood vessels in the skin. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
Certain syndromes or problems with your genes may make you more likely to have a port-wine stain. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Reddish-purple birthmark, most often on the face but can happen anywhere
- Birthmarks are often flat and pink in the beginning
- Color darkens as a child gets older
- Birthmark size grows as a child grows
- May get thicker over time, looking bumpy
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam. The doctor will check your skin with care and look at the size, color, and shape of the birthmark. You may need to have tests if the doctor wants to rule out a more serious problem. The doctor may order: ‚
- Skin biopsy
- X-rays
- CT or MRI scan
- A test to check the pressure in your eye
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Port-wine stains on the face often do better with treatment than those on other areas. Newer port-wine stains do better with treatment than old ones. ‚
- Laser therapy ¢ ˆ ’ Destroys the blood vessels but not the skin. This is the best treatment.
- Surgery
- Freezing
- Radiation
Your doctor may also suggest ways to cope with your birthmark. These may include: ‚
- Tattooing
- Skin cover or make-up
- Counseling to deal with image problems
Are there other health problems to treat?
If the port-wine stain is in a difficult spot, such as the eyelid, problems with eyesight, such as glaucoma, may happen. Rarely, a port-wine stain is a sign of a more serious problem that may need treatment. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
What problems could happen?
- Image problem
- Deformity
- Bleeding
- Interferes with eyesight or eating
- Glaucoma
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is nothing that can be done to prevent a port-wine stain. ‚
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/body/birthmarks.html ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/port_wine_stains.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Birthmarks/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚