Food for Thought – Port Wine Birthmark

May 26, 2025
Wine decanter and glass with red wine on the left; close-up of a skin condition on the right.

Port wine is a combination of wine and brandy which gives it its unique ruby red color. Port wine birthmarks (nevus flammeus) may be found on the face or body and represent malformed blood vessels. They may occur as a birthmark with no other symptoms associated with it or they may be associated with a syndrome. They may overlie malformations of the teeth, eyes or bone. They also may indicate brain and eye blood vessel malformations. Pulsed-dye lasers are used to lighten the appearance of these birthmarks. Early evaluation of any child with this birthmark is important so that they can receive treatment for possible underlying conditions.

Robin Gail Oshman, MD, PhD sees children with port wine birthmarks in her Westport and New Canaan offices. Please call 203-454-0743 for an appointment today.

Posted in Skin Care, Skin Protection, Skin Types