Capillary Malformations

(Nevus Flammeus; Port-Wine Stain; Nevi Flammei)

ByDenise M. Aaron, MD, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine
Reviewed/Revised Sept 2023
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Capillary malformations are present at birth and appear as flat, pink, red, or purplish lesions.

Port-wine stains (or nevus flammeus) are flat, reddish to purple lesions appearing anywhere on the body (1). Lesions become darker and more palpable with time (often becoming quite hyperplastic by late middle age), but the lateral extent increases only in proportion to the growth of the patient. Port-wine stains of the trigeminal area may be a component of the Sturge-Weber syndrome (in which a similar vascular lesion appears on the underlying meninges and cerebral cortex and is associated with a variety of neurologic and ocular abnormalities such as seizures and glaucoma).

General reference

  1. 1. Escobar K, Pandher K, Jahnke MN: Capillary malformations. Dermatol Clin 40(4):425-433, 2022. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2022.06.005

Diagnosis of Capillary Malformations

Diagnosis of capillary malformations is made clinically. Imaging studies may be indicated, depending on findings, to diagnose associated syndromes (eg, Sturge-Weber syndrome).

Treatment of Capillary Malformations

  • Vascular laser treatment or cosmetic creams

Treatment with vascular lasers produces excellent results in many cases, especially if the lesion is treated as early in life as possible (1). The lesion can also be hidden with an opaque cosmetic cream prepared to match the patient’s skin color.

Treatment reference

  1. 1. DeHart AN, Richter GT: Laser treatment of vascular anomalies. Dermatol Clin 40(4):481-487, 2022. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2022.06.002

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