Is port-wine stain a birth defect?

Port-wine stains usually are nothing more than a harmless birthmark and don't cause problems or pain. Rarely, though, they're a sign of other medical conditions. For example, doctors will monitor port-wine stains on or near the eye or on the forehead.

Is a port-wine stain considered a birth defect?

DURHAM, N.C. – A non-inherited genetic mutation that arises during fetal development has been shown to be the cause of port-wine stains, one of the most common birth defects, as well as a related, but rare disorder called Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS).

Why are babies born with port-wine stains?

It is almost always a birthmark. It is caused by abnormal development of tiny blood vessels. Usually port-wine stains are found from birth in newborn babies. They are formed because the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) in the skin are too big (dilated).

What does a port-wine stain indicate?

Port-wine stains are caused by an abnormal formation of tiny blood vessels in the skin. In rare cases, port-wine stains are a sign of Sturge-Weber syndrome or Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome.

Is a port-wine stain a medical condition?

Doctors can sometimes tell if it's a port-wine stain by looking at a child's skin. Port-wine stains usually are nothing more than a harmless birthmark and don't cause problems or pain. Rarely, though, they're a sign of other medical conditions.

Vascular ectasias - Nevus flammeus (port-wine stain) , Salmon Patch , Telangiectasias

How common is a port-wine stain?

Port wine stains (also known as capillary malformations) are permanent red or blue-coloured birthmarks that are present from birth. They are quite common and happen in an estimated three out of 1000 babies.

When should I worry about port-wine stain?

The color usually gets darker, turning purple or a deep red. The skin of a port-wine stain often gets thicker, and it may go from feeling smooth to pebbly. The birthmark shouldn't itch or hurt, and it shouldn't bleed. If it does, you should have it checked by a doctor.

Are port-wine stains permanent?

A port-wine stain is a permanent birthmark present from birth. It starts out pinkish or reddish and turns darker as the child grows. Most often, a port-wine stain appears on the face, but it can affect other areas of the body.

Are birthmarks Genetic?

Are birthmarks genetic? Some birthmarks are hereditary and run in families but most aren't. Very occasionally, some are caused by gene mutations. For example, some babies born with port-wine stains have a rare condition called Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.

Is a port-wine stain always Sturge-Weber syndrome?

The birthmark is called a port-wine stain because of its dark red color. Having a port-wine stain doesn't always mean a baby has Sturge-Weber. Most babies born with a port-wine stain on their face do not have Sturge-Weber.

Does insurance cover port-wine stain removal?

Conclusion: Based on current health care policy guidelines, laser treatment of port-wine stains should be regarded, and covered, as a medical necessity by all insurance providers.

Is a port-wine stain a vascular birthmark?

A port wine stain is a vascular birthmark caused by abnormal development of blood vessels in the skin. A port wine stain is sometimes referred to as a capillary malformation.

Why do neurologists ask about birthmarks?

One of the main things that we need to screen for with birthmarks is something called neurocutaneous disorders: “Neuro” for brain and “cutaneous” for skin, meaning that sometimes when birthmarks are present, they may indicate a greater syndrome that could involve the brain.

What causes a baby to be born with a birthmark?

Vascular birthmarks happen when blood vessels don't form correctly. Either there are too many of them or they're wider than usual. Pigmented birthmarks are caused by an overgrowth of the cells that create pigment (color) in skin.

What's the science behind birthmarks?

Birthmarks generally result from an overgrowth of a structure that is normally present in the skin. For example, an overgrowth of blood vessels produces vascular birthmarks or haemangiomas; an overgrowth of pigment cells produces congenital naevi or moles.

What is Sturge-Weber syndrome?

Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare vascular disorder characterized by the association of a facial birthmark called a port-wine birthmark, abnormal blood vessels in the brain, and eye abnormalities such as glaucoma.

Is Sturge-Weber syndrome progressive?

Sturge-Weber syndrome is a slowly progressive condition. This is because the abnormal blood vessels affect the blood supply to the brain.

Can you tattoo a port-wine birthmark?

Laser treatment is the main treatment for port-wine stains. However this is not always successful. Medical tattooing can camouflage the port-wine stain with a pigment which comes as close as possible to the own skin color. Generally, we see and treat patients in whom the laser treatment was not successful.

Do port-wine stains get darker baby cries?

The appearance of a Port Wine Stain tends to change during life. A flat faint red, purple or pink mark is usually seen at birth, which may become temporarily darker when the baby cries, has a temperature or is teething.

What is the difference between a port-wine stain and a hemangioma?

Abstract. Background: Port-Wine Stains (PWS) are vascular malformations of the dermis, whereas hemangiomas are vascular tumors usually present at birth. Early non-invasive diagnosis of the vascular lesion would greatly increase treatment efficiency.

How long does it take to remove port-wine stain birthmark?

Removal generally takes a series of treatments, usually administered at 6-8 week intervals. Immediately after treatment, the birthmark becomes bruised and looks quite purple for about 2 weeks. Newer pulsed-dye lasers can remove birthmarks that were incompletely removed by older-generation lasers.

Can a port-wine birthmark be removed?

A Port wine stain birthmark can't be completely removed, but they can be treated so their appearance fades. When you decide to have your birthmark removed it's important to visit a reputable medical clinic that has highly trained and experienced Cosmetic Doctors and Cosmetic Nurses performing this treatment.

Why does port-wine stain cause glaucoma?

Sometimes a port-wine birthmark on the eyelids creates pressure inside the eye. This is called glaucoma. If it's not treated, it can lead to loss of vision. Eye doctors use medicines, lasers, and other treatments to reduce the pressure.

Is Sturge-Weber syndrome life expectancy?

Sturge Weber syndrome life expectancy

However, most people with Sturge-Weber syndrome have mild symptoms which are not life-threatening. The long-term outlook varies depending on the severity of symptoms, and how well seizures and glaucoma can be controlled or prevented.

Is Sturge-Weber syndrome fatal?

Sturge-Weber syndrome is a congenital disorder that affects the skin, the neurological system, and sometimes the eyes. There is no cure, but it is not fatal. Other names include encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis, encephalofacial angiomatosis, or Sturge-Weber-Dimitri syndrome.