Port Wine Stains

Birthmarks are a natural part of life. Almost everyone is born with some sort of “mark” at birth that makes him or her unique. Most birthmarks are light brown to a faint pink color and are not noticeable to those who do not know where they are located. However, some birthmarks are more obvious and concerning than others. Port Wine Stains are birthmarks that literally look like red wine was spilled or splashed onto the skin. Most often these birthmarks often start out looking pink at birth, these port wine stains tend to darken and can grow larger as children grow.

Port wine stains can be found anywhere on a child’s body, but they are most commonly found on the face, neck and scalp. Because of their location, parents are often concerned at how these birthmarks will affect their children as they grow up. These birthmarks can be any size when they start, but they tend to grow in proportion with a child. They also tend to change texture, starting out a smooth and flat but changing into thick and bumpy places on the skin. As the port wine stains change and as children get older, they can often become disfiguring and embarrassing for children. These birthmarks will not go away on their own, but they can be treated.

Dr. Jamie Weisman at Medical Dermatology Specialists in Atlanta understands the most delicate skin issues affecting children. Laser therapies can make many port wine stains much less noticeable and give children the self-esteem that they need to put their best faces forward. If your child has a port wine stain birthmark that needs attention, contact our dermatology office today. Medical Dermatology Specialists is the preferred pediatric dermatology practice in Atlanta because we know how to effectively work with children while giving them the skin care treatments they need.