Port-wine stain

Port-wine stains (also known as nevus flammeus) are present at birth. They consist of an endothelial cell lining containing capillary vessels. The most common sites are the face and neck. There is no natural regression of the lesion with age. This condition is associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome and Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome.

Although nevus flammeus is a benign lesion, and the diagnosis is typically clinical, occasionally detailed evaluation and radiological imaging are required when associated with other skin, soft tissue, skeletal, and vascular anomalies.

Management is by camouflage of the lesions, for example with makeup. Laser therapy may be available at specialist centres.(2)

Reference

1. Lee JW, Chung HY. Capillary Malformations (Portwine Stains) of the Head and Neck: Natural History, Investigations, Laser, and Surgical Management. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2018 Feb;51(1):197-211
2. Ortiz AE, Nelson JS. Port-wine stain laser treatments and novel approaches. Facial Plast Surg. 2012 Dec;28(6):611-20.