Port Wine Stains - Indentification & Treatment of the "Vascular" Birthmark

Port Wine Stains, affecting three out of 1000 births, are considered an irregular “vascular” birthmark. Appearing at birth and resulting from an over-abundance of blood vessels, the mark not only impacts the patient’s social and emotional well being but also may impact the patient’s physical well being. Understanding the identification, health implications and treatments of port wine stains will assist the patient in leading a more fulfilled life.

The cause and origin of a port wine stain is unknown. What is known is the condition is congenital but not hereditary and does not appear to be related to any condition of pregnancy nor trauma to the mother. What is also known is that the stains appear as irregular patches of light or pale pink discoloration which gradually deepen in color with progression of time. Unlike standard birthmarks, port wine stains will enlarge and grow as the skin grows. Found usually on the face, neck, shoulders or chest, the patches, as they grow, will not only darken in color but may also transist from a smooth marking to a marking demonstrating a more thick and pebbled appearance. The malformation is the result of an over abundance of tiny blood vessels in the upper levels of the skin; blood vessels connecting veins and arteries. Because the growth and location of the stains is relatively consistent, medical science has identified conditions and diseases which may impact the patient’s health status.