Blood Vessel Disorders

Home » Blood Vessel Disorders » Port-wine Stains - Overview, Cause

Overview

Port-wine stains (nevus flammeus) are malformations of tiny blood vessels that connect the veins to the arteries (capillaries) located in the upper levels of the skin. These irregularly shaped patches range in color from light pink to red to dark red-violet and may darken with age. Port-wine stains, usually located on the neck, face, and scalp, occur in about 0.5% of newborns.

More than one-third of infants are born with a pink patch at the nape of the neck or on the eyelids (called an "angel's kiss," "salmon patch," or "stork bite"). These are minor blood vessel dilations and are not true port-wine stains. Those located on the eyelids and forehead fade slowly and eventually disappear. Those at the base of the neck are often permanent.

Cause

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.

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