Port-Wine Stains

Port-Wine Stains

Port-wine stains are congenital (present at birth) capillary malformations. The color of this birthmark is usually pink, red, or purple. About 0.3 percent of children are born with port-wine stains. As the child grows, the mark may become darker. Port-wine stains can appear on any part of the body and can vary in size. The type of laser usually used for this condition is the pulsed dye laser (A pulsed dye laser is a type of laser that produces a short, high-energy flash of light. The light is colored when it passes through a dye. The color of the dye can be changed, depending upon the type of pigmented skin spots that are being treated.). Adults may have this procedure performed on an outpatient basis with only local anesthesia. Children or persons with large port-wine stains, may be treated under general anesthesia. Multiple treatments may be necessary.