Port-Wine Stain Birthmark – Vascular Anomaly
Port-wine stain is one of the several types of birthmarks that appear on any parts of the human body. Apparently, birthmarks are the result when blood vessels are abnormally developed. There are marks that normally fade without treatment required while others need treatment. Many people believed that birthmarks are the result of any untoward deeds that the mother does during pregnancy. However, it is just a misconception because the main cause of birthmarks is when the blood vessels have inadequate nerve fibers.
This kind of birthmark is very common in newborn babies. Some have minimal patches while others have very extensive patches. Most likely it affects in girls and when not treated immediately would become permanent. The port-wine stain birthmarks are flat with purple or red color. Increased blood flow in the blood vessels would mean causing permanent blush. When the birthmark is left untreated the color may become darker and cause the tissue on the affected skin to enlarge and become bumpy. That is why it is important to be conscious, especially if the birthmarks appear near the eye and forehead.
Although the birthmark is not that serious but parents of children who have port-wine stain should know when the right time to consult your doctor is. This is because it does not only cause other health issues but also cause psychological problems to the person. That is why it is important to let your child know everything about port-wine stain so that he or she would be ready to answer when being asked about the situation.
Fortunately, the port-wine stain’s birthmark can be cured but not treated completely, unless the root cause is treated. This means that if you want to completely eliminate the marks in your skin you need to go through lifetime treatment to get rid the skin discoloration. Likewise, the mark may be a threat when it continues to increase in eyes and in critical location. That is why as early as possible it should be given immediate medical intervention to prevent the expansion.
There are instances when the birthmark does not only show progressive and intense discoloration but also become swollen or bumpy. In like manner, you should also be watchful if the port-wine stain becomes scaly and too dry as well as the color spreads faster. Keep in mind that when the birthmark appears near the eyes, there is a tendency to affect the nerves in the eyes and might result to glaucoma. Likewise, it would lead to eye infection and other eye problems.
To prevent further issues, it is necessary to seek the help of your doctor so that the condition will be diagnosed properly. The birthmark can be diagnosed simply by looking at the affected skin. To further rule out the condition skin biopsy is required in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis. On the other hand, when given immediate medical intervention the symptoms can be prevented.
There are different options of treating port-wine stains. Obviously, the birthmark affects the social and emotional actions of an individual affected with port-wine stains. That is why looking for the best possible ways to get rid the skin abnormality is the main objective. However, if the child does not mind having the birthmark during his or her younger years most likely it would be easier dealing with it as he or she grow old.
Nevertheless, for people who are not at peace having the skin discoloration undertaking treatment can ease the dilemma. Laser’s treatment is the most popular treatment ever used for port wine stains. It is safe to use the laser treatment even for 6-month old babies. Likewise, there is a minimal effect in the skin such as mild irritation after the procedure. The irritation can be remedied at home.
Similarly, in case of severe occurrence of port-wine stains and laser treatment does not work, surgery is recommended. Usually, the treatment for this type of birthmark differs on the skin type, severity of the condition as well as the age of the patient. It is also important to note that any treatment does not guarantee to complete diminish of the birthmark. This is because there are possibilities of recurrence that would require another treatment.
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hi, my name is matt and i am wondering if someone can help me please, my portwine stain really affects me emotionally and i have been doing laser treatments for over 2 years and although some progress has been made and hasnt affected my main area which is bothering me the most, my hand, i read this article and noticed that you have mentioned that surgery is recommended and i was hoping i could hear or get more information about this procedure, it means the world to me, thank you very much
Hi, im a mother of 22 days old baby girl, born with port wine strain at her face exactly on the left side of her forhead up to her skull and down to her upper eye let and about a half of her cheek , it spreaded on about 70% of her left side of the head . we leave in sudan the life here is really dificult and we cannot tolerate the expences and cannot find the trusted qualified medical treatment, please help my baby with any possible way you can.
Hi Matt,
I also have a pws, mine is in the face. Today I’m 23 years old.
I do laser treatments since I was child for 6 years, and before 5 years I start again.
The laser treatment is a very long process, there is nothing that you can do to change this.
After 5 years I see the results, many people say that it begin to disappear.
When I was 18 years old it’s affects me to a very low confidence. I was very sad.
In my 21 years birthday I decide to take a decision to not afraid and shy.
I think you need to improve your confidence and to get a girlfriend, This is the best treatment !!!
Wish you success.
Hi Rania,
I’m sorry but there is nothing that I can do to help you.
I know the situation in sudan, You need to search a laser treatment in neighborhood countries.
I wish you Daughter many health.
Hey Matt, I have PWS on my face, right shoulder, and right arm. I’m 23. When I was in high school girl told my sister that I was cute and that girl was one of my crushes. I had a girlfriend at 18. Yeah there were times that I got depressed because I thought people could not accept me and I know you feel the same way. But believe me that’s all just in your head. Though people who will judge you by the way you look, there will always be people out there that will look past the skin. Insecurity won’t get you anywhere. Those people that bullied or maligned you, they have insecurities too. I just figured that nothing will happen to me if I let my sadness ruin my life. God bless bro!!
my sister is having laser treatment for about 2 years up until now. but there is no significant improvement. Do most of PWS cases take long time to be cured with laser treatment?
Hi Stellar,
It’s taking a long time to improving the port wine stain, also it’s depend about the location of the stain.
I have PWS in my neck and face. The PWS in the neck improved faster than the face.
Take Care.