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goodtoknow says: a port wine stain is a birthmark which is caused by a problem with the tiny blood vessels under the skin. Around 3 in 1000 babies are born with a port wine stain, most commonly on the face, although other parts of the body can be affected too. Port wine stains vary in size and colour. They can be anything from pale red to deep purple. Camouflage make up used to be the only way to treat them, but modern lasers are now proving a great success in young children.

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments for a port wine stain birthmark from patient.co.uk, read on

Port wine stains cause red or purple marks, often on the face. They are caused by a localised area of abnormal blood vessels. Treatment with modern lasers can give good or excellent results in most cases. Treatment in early childhood is best. Camouflage creams are an alternative treatment.

What is a port wine stain?

A port wine stain is a red or purple area of skin. It is present from birth. About 3 in 1000 babies are born with a port wine stain. Most occur on the face but any area of the skin can be affected.

What do port wine stains look like?

Port wine stains vary in size from a few millimetres across to many centimetres. There is a sharp line between the port wine stain and normal skin. Their colour can vary from pale red to deep purple. If left untreated, port wine stains tend to darken over the years as the blood flow through them becomes more sluggish. The overlying skin is smooth and flat at first. By middle age the overlying skin may become thickened and lumpy (a 'cobblestone' appearance).

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