Port Wine Stains In Babies: Causes And How To Treat Them

These benign, maroon-tinted birthmarks usually do not require treatment.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Neema Shrestha, MD Dr. Neema Shrestha Dr. Neema ShresthaMD MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on LinkedinFollow MomJunction on Instagram Specialty: Neonatology and PediatricsExperience: 5 years
Written by , M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Swati Patwal M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Food, Nutrition and HealthExperience: 10 years
Edited by , BSc, MBA Rohit Garoo BSc, MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Baby Health and WellnessExperience: 9 years
Fact-checked by , MSc, MA, BEd Ghazia Shah MSc, MA, BEd Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health & WellnessExperience: 3 years
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A Baby Having Port Wine Stain On Cheek

Image: ShutterStock

A port-wine stain in babies is a type of birthmark, also called nevus flammeus. It occurs due to skin vascular malformation at birth, causing concentrated dilated blood vessels or capillaries. Port-wine stains occur in three to five children out of 1,000.

Although it is not alarming, it is better to get newborns with port-wine stains checked. About 15-20% of children who have port-wine stain birthmarks around their eyes can be at an increased risk of developing Sturge-Weber syndrome (1).

Read on to know more about port-wine stain birthmarks in babies, including their causes, symptoms, complications, and treatments.

In This Article

Key Pointers

  • Port-wine stains are flat pink or red birthmarks that occur due to clustered dilated blood vessels beneath the skin.
  • These otherwise harmless birthmarks appearing on the face, neck, arms, or legs may be associated with an increased risk of Sturge-Weber syndrome in rare cases.
  • They usually do not require treatment but laser treatment is an option if the concern is cosmetic.

Signs Of Port-Wine Stain Birthmarks In Babies

As the name suggests, port-wine stain birthmarks look like maroon wine splashed on the skin. These skin discolorations generally appear at birth and are often seen on the face, neck, arms, and legs. In some rare cases, they continue to grow as the child grows.

Here are a few signs that might help you identify port-wine stain birthmarks in your infant.

  1. Looks flat and pink or purplish-red
  2. Maybe confined to an area or cover larger areas of the body, usually seen on one side of the body
  3. Doesn’t change color when gently pressed
  4. Might get darker or thicker as the child grows older
Port wine stains can get darker with age

Image: Shutterstock

  1. Is persistent and does not disappear over time (2)
protip_icon Quick fact
Port-wine stains may develop grape-like growths called vascular blebs. Usually they are not harmful, but they may bleed and may need to be removed (9).

Causes Of Port-Wine Stain Birthmarks In Babies

They develop in the first two to eight weeks of pregnancy.

Image: Shutterstock

The exact cause of port-wine stain birthmarks is not known. However, it is believed to be caused by a mutation (change in gene) causing and abnormal formation of tiny blood vessels in the skin. It is also believed that these develop during the first two to eight weeks of pregnancy (3) (4).

protip_icon Things to know
Port wine stains are present from birth and a birthmark that develops at a later stage will usually be of a different kind (8).

Complications Of Port-Wine Stain Birthmarks 

These stains are usually harmless and are rarely associated with any underlying issue.

Image: Shutterstock

Like any other birthmarks in babies, port-wine stain birthmarks are usually harmless and are rarely associated with any underlying issue. However, in some rare cases, this birthmark could be associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome. The condition is often characterized by symptoms such as seizuresiSudden and abnormal surges of electrical activity in the brain characterized by jerking body movements and loss of consciousness. , glaucomaiAn eye condition where optic nerves are damaged due to increased pressure on the eyes, leading to gradual vision loss. , cerebral cortex atrophyiA condition marked by a gradual loss of brain cells and neurons resulting in communication and learning difficulties. , headache, developmental delays, and intellectual impairments. Children who have port-wine stain birthmarks covering half of the face or more are at a higher risk of developing this condition (5) (6).

It could also be associated with Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome, a condition that affects the development of blood vessels and soft tissues (7).

Apart from the physical complications, port-wine stain birthmarks may also cause mental health issues as the baby grows up due to the disfigurement that it causes. They may feel low self-esteem and can even go into depression, fearing rejection.

Diagnosis Of Port-Wine Stain Birthmark

Doctor may order X-ray to diagnose port wine stain in babies.

Image: Shutterstock

The doctor would be able to diagnose port-wine stain birthmarks via a physical examination. But, if the birthmark is present around the eye or on the face, the doctor might monitor it. They may order tests such as X-ray, CT scan, or MRI.

Treatment For Port-Wine Stain Birthmark In Babies

Apply a moisturizing cream daily on the birthmark

Image: Shutterstock

Port-wine stains do not require treatment or removal since they do not affect the baby’s health. Stains covering extensive parts of the skin or those on the face may be removed for cosmetic reasons. The child’s doctor may consider several factors before removal and may even recommend leaving the mark as it is in case the risks outweigh the cosmetic concerns.

Jewel Twaddell, a mother of two, shares her experience managing her baby boy’s port-wine stain diagnosis. She says, “Our baby was born completely healthy and with a beautiful birthmark. The name of this birthmark is a port wine stain. Unlike other common birthmarks babies are born with, this one will not fade with time. Enler’s (the son) port wine stain is on his mid-right face, covering his cheek and lower eyelid. We read up on his birthmark and found out he would need laser treatments by a dermatologist to eliminate or reduce the mark. We have decided to seek out treatments (i).”

Laser treatment can be started by the time your baby is six months old. Talk to your pediatrician before starting the treatment.

This birthmark tends to get dry, so it is important to apply a moisturizing cream once or twice a day (8).

protip_icon Things to know
Stains on the face respond better to laser therapy compared to those on the arms, legs, or middle of the body. Treating older stains may be more difficult (10).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are port-wine stains permanent?

Yes, port-wine stains are permanent birthmarks since the dilation of the blood vessels causing this mark is permanent (3).

2. Can I get rid of a port-wine birthmark?

No. It is not possible to get rid of the port-wine stain birthmark. But as mentioned in the article, you may try laser treatment to lighten the color (7).

3. Do port-wine stains get worse with age?

Rarely. Port-wine stains may darken and thicken with age, forming a raised “cobblestone” appearance (7).

Port-wine stains in babies are pink or red birthmarks that have unknown causes. Though generally benign, they may be associated with an underlying condition in rare cases. Generally, these stains require no treatment, but medical intervention becomes necessary if these stains appear around the eyes or spread to larger areas of the body. Hence, consult your doctor to know if treatment is necessary and the most appropriate treatment option for your child. Further, since these stains may dry out your baby’s skin, apply moisturizer once or twice daily.

Infographic: Signs And Complications Of Port-Wine Stains In Babies

The appearance of Port-wine stains, a type of vascular birthmark, in babies can make the parents worried. The infographic below explains how to recognize this condition from other birthmarks in babies and its potential complications.

symptoms and possible implications of port wine stains in babies (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team


Learn about the latest treatments for port wine stain birthmarks, from laser therapy to topical creams. Get the facts to help you make an informed decision.

Personal Experience: Source

MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. First entry;
https://enlerportwine.blogspot.com/2010/07/first-entry.html

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Vi Nguyen et al.; The Pathogenesis of Port Wine Stain and Sturge Weber Syndrome: Complex Interactions between Genetic Alterations and Aberrant MAPK and PI3K Activation; International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2019).
2. Birthmarks in Infants; Stanford Children’s Health
3. Port Wine Stain Birthmark; Vascular Birthmarks Foundation
4. Port-wine stain; National Institutes of Health
5. Kira Minkis, Roy G. Geronemus, and Elizabeth K. Hale; Port Wine Stain Progression: A Potential Consequence of Delayed and Inadequate Treatment?; HHS Author Manuscripts (2015).
6. Types of Birthmarks in Children; NYU Langone Hospitals
7. Port wine stains; Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children
8. Port wine stains; The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne
9. Port wine stains; Nemours Children’s Health
10. Port-wine stain; https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001475.htm#.

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Dr. Neema Shrestha
Dr. Neema ShresthaMD
Dr. Neema Shrestha is a pediatrician with a special interest in the field of neonatology. She has an overall experience of five years working in the field. Currently working in Kathmandu, Nepal, she completed her MBBS from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal in 2008, Diploma in Child Health from D.

Read full bio of Dr. Neema Shrestha
Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

Read full bio of Swati Patwal
Rohit Garoo
Rohit GarooBSc, MBA
Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University.

Read full bio of Rohit Garoo
Ghazia Shah
Ghazia ShahMSc, MA, BEd
Ghazia is a scientist-turned-writer with three years of research experience in Cancer Biology. She did her masters degree in Biotechnology at the University of Kashmir and bachelors in Education at the same university. Ghazia then delved deeper into the science of language with a masters in English.

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