What Are Port Wine Stains?

A “port wine stain” is a birthmark brought on by unnatural blood vessel growth in the skin. A capillary malformation is another name for a port wine stain. What to expect when your kid sees Linda Clark for treatment is explained on this page, along with information regarding port wine stains. 

What is a “Port Wine Stain”?

Early in pregnancy, when the unborn child is still growing in the womb, a mutation (change in a gene) results in the alteration in the blood vessels. There is no evidence linking this alteration in the gene to anything that occurred during pregnancy, and it is not inherited (passed down from one generation to the next). A flat, crimson, or purple spot on the skin, known as a port wine stain, is present from birth. Very rarely, the port wine stain may gradually thicken, deepen, and look like cobblestone with raised lumps and ridges. But are these birthmarks associated with other conditions? 

• Glaucoma: A port wine stain around the eye increases the incidence of glaucoma in children. If left untreated, glaucoma, which is elevated pressure within the eye, can cause blindness. Eye drops are commonly used as treatment, although rarely surgery is required. The youngster should have frequent eye exams by a specialist in eye care (an ophthalmologist) to screen for glaucoma.
• Sturge-Weber syndrome: There is a possibility that the kid has Sturge-Weber syndrome if the port wine stain is on the scalp, forehead, or area surrounding the eyes. The port wine stain may influence blood vessels in the brain and the skin, which might result in seizures. (fits or convulsions). A neurologist must examine the kid if there is even the slightest indication that they may be at risk for Sturge-Weber syndrome.
• Klippel Trenaunay syndrome: Klippel Trenaunay syndrome is characterized by a big port wine stain on the arm or leg that may be related to the further development of that limb. In this case, a multidisciplinary review by dermatologists, laser experts, and general, orthopedic, and vascular surgeons may be necessary.

Although seeing a specialized doctor shortly after birth can be helpful for a kid with a port wine stain, therapy often doesn’t begin until later in infancy. Port wine stains can presently be removed with laser therapy or cosmetic concealment. The crimson color of the blood vessels in the port wine stain is absorbed by a focused narrow beam of light used in laser therapy. Selective photothermolysis is the term for this process, which involves utilizing light to treat tissue containing blood vessels by lysing it and creating heat.

How Can Linda Clark Help With Port Wine Stains?

If your child’s port wine stain indicates another severe disorder, contacting a doctor is essential in ensuring their health. While conditions like glaucoma can be treated and cured, others are more difficult to treat. The earlier a condition is noticed and diagnosed, the earlier your child can be treated. If you’re in the Newport Beach, CA, area, and would like to know more about port wine stains, contact Linda Clark at (949) 757-1150 for an appointment today!