$Unique_ID{BRK01527} $Pretitle{} $Title{How Should Port Wine Stain be Treated?} $Subject{port wine stain stains treatment Skin Subcutaneous Tissue blemish blemishes treated treatments nevus flammeus marks mark Sturge-Weber Syndrome liquid carbon dioxide plastic surgery grafts graft tattoo tattoos cosmetic cosmetics Argon laser lasers therapy flash-lamp pulsed tunable dye baby babies kid kids} $Volume{L-20} $Log{} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. How Should Port Wine Stain be Treated? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: When our baby son was born, we thought we had a Gorbechev in the family for there was a big, red mark across his forehead. Our doctor has diagnosed this as a port wine stain. We have also found out that our child is normal in all other ways. Our question is when and how should this blemish be treated? Do you know of any new treatments that can help? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: I am glad I have nothing but good news for you. Port wine stains, or as medical terminology would have it, a "nevus flammeus," occurs quite frequently. As many as 3 children out of every 100 may be born with similar marks. When such "blemishes" (as you put it) are seen on certain parts of the face, it may be part of a condition known as Sturge-Weber Syndrome. It is this syndrome that sometimes causes problems in the neurological system of these children, but that only occurs in about 8 percent of all cases, and it seems apparent that your son is not one of these. The fact is that these skin lesions do not fade over time, as some others do, but must be treated. In the past a variety of techniques were used, including freezing with liquid carbon dioxide, plastic surgery and skin grafts, tattoos and even just an opaque cosmetic cream that matches the patient's skin color to cover the mark. Argon laser therapy, considered the best technique generally available, often left scars in place of the red spot. A new technology, using a flash-lamp pulsed tunable dye laser, is now receiving high praise from those who have seen its results. Although it may take several treatments to totally erase a port wine stain, there is little risk of scarring when the skin is properly protected. Early treatment is recommended, when the baby's skin is thinner. Though there are only a few centers offering this technique, it is not that expensive. Charges per visit are in the $200 range, and much of that cost should be covered by insurance. You should consult with your own physicians, but my advice is to start treatments as soon as you can. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.