Causes
The
lesions
are
congenital,
but
the
cause
is
unknown.
Signs
and
Symptoms
Port-wine
stains
are
present
at
birth
and
vary
in
size
and
shape.
They
first
appear
pale
pink
in
color
and
darken
with
time.
The
texture
can
change
gradually
from
smooth
to
thickened
and
pebbled.
Diagnosis
Port-wine
stains
are
diagnosed
mainly
by
their
appearance.
Infants
with
a
port-wine
stain
that
involves
the
upper
and
lower
eyelids
usually
undergo
a
magnetic
resonance
imaging
(MRI)
scan
or
other
type
of
brain
scan.
This
can
help
the
physician
diagnose
or
exclude
Sturge-Weber
syndrome.
Approximately
5% of
infants
with
a
port-wine
stain
on
the
eyelids
are
at
risk
for
this
condition,
in
which
the
lesion
involves
the
trigeminal
nerve,
the
eye,
the
meninges
(thin
membranes
surrounding
the
brain),
and
the
brain.
Seizures
occur
in
about
80%
of
those
afflicted.
Glaucoma,
developmental
delays,
and
partial
paralysis
are
other
aspects
of
Sturge-Weber
syndrome.
Treatment
Pulsed-dye
laser
treatments offer
safe
and
effective
treatment
for
port-wine
stains.
Treatment
success
depends
on
the
age
at
which
it is
begun
and
the
location
of
the
lesion.
With
multiple
treatments,
most
port-wine
stains
can
be
significantly
lightened.
Topical,
local,
or
general
anesthesia
can
be
administered
before
the
procedure
to
minimize
discomfort.
