Port Wine Stain (Nevus Flammeus)

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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Port Wine Stain
Category : Health Centers > Skin Conditions

Port Wine Stain

Alternate Names : Nevus Flammeus

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

A port wine stain is a type of birthmark. It is an irregularly shaped, reddish, flat area of blood vessels on the surface of the skin.

What is going on in the body?

The cause of port wine stains is unknown. They occur in about 3 out of 1000 births. At first, port wine stains are flat. Over time, lumps and bumps can occur on the surface of the birthmark.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

A port wine stain on the face can be a part of Sturge-Weber syndrome. This syndrome also involves problems with blood vessels in the eyes and brain. However, a port wine stain does not usually mean that Sturge-Weber syndrome is present.

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		Port Wine Stain: Symptoms & Signs

Author: Lynn West, MD
Reviewer: Adam Brochert, MD
Date Reviewed: 07/13/01

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