Port-Wine Stain
Alternate Names : Nevus Flammeus
Definition
A port-wine stain is a vascular birthmark consisting of superficial and deep dilated capillaries in the skin which produce a reddish to purplish discoloration of the skin.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Port-wine stains (PWS) are present at birth. The incidence is 3 out of 1,000 people. Port-wine stains occur most often on the face but can appear anywhere on the body. Early stains are usually flat and pink in appearance. As the child matures, the color may deepen to a dark red or purplish color.
The presence of PWS can cause emotional and social problems for the affected person because of their cosmetic appearance. Port-wine stains that involve the upper and lower lids (trigeminal distribution) may be associated with the development of glaucoma.
PWS may be one of a group of symptoms and signs in which case it is considered to be part of a syndrome such as Sturge-Weber syndrome or Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome.
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