Port Wine Stains

Port-wine stains are purple and red birthmarks that affect approximately three out of every 1,000 babies born. These birthmarks may appear pink at birth and darken as children age. They are most commonly found on the face, but can occur anywhere on the body and are also common on the arms and legs. They are caused by blood vessels and capillaries in the skin that do not form correctly and swell. If not treated, the skin covering the swollen blood vessels can change and sometimes becomes thick and coarse. Port-wine stains will not always need treatment, but can be treated if in a highly visible area. Laser therapy is thus far the most effective treatment for lightening of port-wine stains.