Port Wine Stain

Causes of Port Wine Stain

Port-Wine Stains are caused by dilated capillaries (small blood vessels) found in the upper skin.  The red color is due to the blood flow through all the capillaries. 

Symptoms of Port Wine Stain

Port-wine stains are present at birth and vary in size and shape. They first appear pale pink in color and darken with time. The texture can change gradually from smooth to thickened and pebbled.

• Is usually a flat pink-to-purplish lesion on skin in infants
• Is usually darkly red-to-purplish lesion in adults
• Most commonly seen on face and neck (but may occur on trunk or extremities)

Treatment of Port Wine Stain

Treatment for port wine stains first requires performing a laser response test, which determines the efficacy and response of an individual's tissue to the laser. Several energy levels are tested and evaluated approximately six weeks later.

Topical EMLA cream is oftentimes used for anesthesia on the areas to be treated. Based upon the test energy levels, an appropriate energy is selected. Sometimes, infiltration with Lidocaine is performed. Protection is worn over the eyes and the entire lesion is treated with the laser. There is some "overlap" of the laser treatment delivered, so as to avoid a mottled or "egg crate" appearance. Darker purple lesions are somewhat less responsive to laser treatment. Individuals with darker pigmented skin are somewhat less responsive to treatment due to inhibition of the laser penetration by the increased protective melanin. Essentially, individuals with darker colored skin require more treatments to obtain satisfactory clearing. Between two and ten treatments are required to resolve a port wine stain.