port-wine stain; capillary malformations

Port-Wine Stain / Capillary Malformations - Treatments

PWS are not harmful and do not require treatment. However, if they are left alone, they can darken in colour during adolescence or adulthood and the skin can become thicker. Lumps can form and lead to a cobblestone-like appearance, which may lead to bleeding.

PWS can be lightened by treatment with lasers, in particular, the pulsed dye laser (PDL). Early treatment is recommended for best results, as the baby’s skin is thinner and the PWS is relatively small and light.

Laser treatment can be performed from a few months of age and has to be repeated every twp to four weeks for at least six to eight times.

Results can vary depending on the site of the lesion and the initial colour. PWS can darken again later in life, requiring repeat treatments.

Laser treatments can be done without the use of general anaesthesia (GA) in younger babies. However, for children above 1 year of age, it is recommended for laser treatment to be performed under GA.

Post-laser, dark bruising is often observed, which can last for one to two weeks. The skin can become more sensitive to rubbing. Other possible temporary side effects include blistering and crusting. Scarring is rare.

The aim of treatment is to lighten the PWS, as it is often not possible to make it disappear completely.

The information above is also available for download in pdf format.