Early port-wine stains are usually flat and pink in appearance. As the child gets older, the color may deepen to a dark red or purplish color. They occur most often on the face but can appear anywhere on the body.
Signs and tests:
Your doctor can usually diagnose a port wine stain by looking at the skin.
In unusual cases, a skin biopsy may be needed. Depending on the location of the birthmark and other symptoms, your doctor may order an intraocular pressure test or x-ray of the skull.
Review Date: 4/16/2007
Reviewed By: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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General Dermatology
