| Port-wine stain | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Nevus flammeus, Firemark |
 | |
| The back of a hand with prominent port-wine staining | |
| Specialty | Medical genetics  |
A port-wine stain (nevus flammeus) is a discoloration of the human skin caused by a vascular anomaly (a capillary malformation in the skin).[1] They are so named for their coloration, which is similar in color to port wine, a fortified red wine from Portugal.
A port-wine stain is a capillary malformation, seen at birth.[2] Port-wine stains persist throughout life.[3] The area of skin affected grows in proportion to general growth.
Port-wine stains occur most often on the face but can appear anywhere on the body, particularly on the neck, upper trunk, arms and legs.[2][4] Early stains are usually flat and pink in appearance. As the child matures, the color may deepen to a dark red or purplish color.[2] In adulthood, thickening of the lesion or the development of small lumps may occur.[2][5]
Port-wine stains may be part of a syndrome such as Sturge–Weber syndrome or Klippel–Trénaunay–Weber syndrome.[2]
- ^ Faurschou, A.; Olesen, AB; Leonardi-Bee, J.; Haedersdal, M. (9 November 2011). "Lasers or light sources for treating port-wine stains". Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (11): CD007152. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007152.pub2. PMID 22071834.
- ^ a b c d e Primary Care Dermatology Society, UK. "Port-wine stain". Clinical Guidance. Primary Care Dermatology Society, UK. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
- ^ Patel, AM; Chou, EL; Findeiss, L; Kelly, KM (Jun 2012). "The horizon for treating cutaneous vascular lesions". Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 31 (2): 98–104. doi:10.1016/j.sder.2012.02.001. PMC 3570568. PMID 22640429.
- ^ Ryan, E; Warren, L (May 2012). "Birthmarks--identification and management". Australian Family Physician. 41 (5): 274–277. PMID 22558616.
- ^ Minkis, K.; Geronemus, R. G.; Hale, E. K. (2009). "Port wine stain progression: A potential consequence of delayed and inadequate treatment?". Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 41 (6): 423–6. doi:10.1002/lsm.20788. PMC 4690461. PMID 19588535.