Should port-wine stains be treated?

In most cases, port-wine stains do not affect health; treatment will depend on the extent of the cosmetic impact or any signs related to a congenital blood disorder.

According to Dr. Phan Ngoc Quynh Anh, Specialist Level 1, Hemangioma Center - University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3, port-wine stains are a type of birthmark that is red or pink in color, appearing from birth due to a malformation causing dilation of the capillaries in the skin.

Because port-wine stains are clearly visible and distinct from other birthmarks, doctors usually only need a visual examination to diagnose the condition.

Manifestations of port-wine stains

In terms of color, the affected skin area will be dark red or purple, sometimes light pink or purple. This color can change over time and depending on the severity of the condition.

Port-wine stains can vary in size and shape, from as small as a tiny spot to as large as a pie.

A child with port-wine stains on their leg was examined at the University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3.

DOCTOR PROVIDED

Port-wine stains can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the face, neck, arms, and legs, varying in thickness and texture depending on the severity of the condition.

Birthmarks are usually lifelong, especially as one gets older, the dark birthmark gradually turning purplish-red or dark red, and the skin in the area of ​​the birthmark thickens into a papular appearance.

Areas of skin with birthmarks may bleed more easily than normal skin if scratched or injured, especially hypertrophic papules, increasing the risk of infection.

How to treat wine stain?

In most cases, port-wine stains are not a health concern. However, in some cases, port-wine stains are a symptom associated with certain syndromes such as Sturge-Weber or Klippel-Trenaunay.

Sturge-Weber syndrome is a congenital vascular disorder characterized by a port-wine stain on the face, a meningomyelocele of the brain, and neurological complications (such as seizures, cerebral ischemia, and intellectual disability). If there are signs of risk for Sturge-Weber syndrome, the child should be examined by a neurologist.

A patient with port-wine stains was examined at the hospital.

DOCTOR PROVIDED

Typically, treatment will be considered by doctors when the cosmetic impact is minimal, especially when the condition is less noticeable on the face. Treatment can begin when the child is a few months old, which helps increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

According to Dr. Quynh Anh, laser treatment is the most effective and safest method for port-wine stains, especially for patients who detect the condition early and whose condition is not yet severe. However, patients need multiple treatments, the exact number of which will depend on several factors including skin color, stain color, size, location, age, etc.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bi-bot-do-ruou-vang-co-nen-dieu-tri-185230417201911688.htm