A Port Wine Stain (PWS) is a kind of birthmark caused by prominent small blood vessels. Port wine stains are noted shortly after birth as light pink or red patches typically on the head or neck. With time, they tend to become darker, thicker and more irregular. The name “port wine stain” comes from the resemblance of the birthmark’s color to port wine.
HOW TO TREAT A PORT WINE STAIN
Therapeutic PWS treatments include surgical excision, grafting, dermabrasion, cryotherapy, radiation therapy, electrotherapy, tattooing and flashlamp-pumped, pulsed dye laser. The flashlamp-pumped, pulsed dye laser gives the most consistent and effective results. Many insurance plans will cover the cost of laser treatment due to the psychological impact of these lesions. It is never too early or too late to discuss PWS treatment options with a dermatologist.
