Capillary Malformation
Port Wine Stain
A port wine stain, a type of capillary malformation, is a red mark or patch that is usually present at birth. This can darken, thicken and enlarge as the child grows older. There is usually no family history although recently, a small genetic change occurring in the birthmark in a gene called GNAQ has been discovered.
When do we worry?
Location
- Large segmental involvement of face involving especially the forehead, scalp and eyelid may be associated with Sturge weber syndrome (a condition with neurological abnormalities and glaucoma). Referral to neurology and eye doctors are necessary.
- Extensive involvement of the limbs may be associated with increase growth of the limb, also known as Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.
Treatments available in the clinic include:
Pulsed dye laser is the treatment of choice. Treatments given early in life, preferably below the age of one year, provide better outcome as there is a risk the lesions thicken with time and become more stubborn to treatment. The treatments are given around 6 to 8 weeks apart and around 8 to 10 sessions may be required for significant improvement. Not all lesions will improve but the aim is to lighten them significantly before school going age. Subsequent treatments during school holidays are also not uncommon.
Nevus Simplex
A nevus simplex, another type of capillary malformation, is commonly known by a few names such as salmon patch, stork bite (nape of neck) and angel kiss (forehead, eyelids) depending on their location. These are also present at birth and fade with time.
Treatments available in the clinic include:
Most of the time there are no underlying associated conditions and these lighten with time. One may choose to treat with pulsed dye laser if it doesn’t fade and affects cosmesis. Although, the eyelid, forehead patches tend to fade by the second year of life this may not always be the case.
Mount Alvernia Hospital
820 Thomson Road
St Anne Mother & Child Centre
#02-81
Singapore 574623
Opening Hours
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri
8:30 am to 5 pm
Wed
8:30 am to 1 pm
Saturday
8:30 am to 12 pm
(closed every 3rd and 5th Saturday)
Phone or WhatsApp
(65) 91252808