User:Mr. Ibrahem/Port-wine stain

Port-wine stain, also known as nevus flammeus, is a birth mark that presents as a dark red or purple area of skin. They occur most often on one side of the face or neck; though, any part of the body may be involved. They generally have defined borders and over time may become darker and thicken. Complications may include glaucoma.

They occur due to a genetic mutation in early development, and are not generally inherited from a person's parents. They may occur as part of conditions such as Sturge–Weber syndrome or Klippel–Trénaunay–Weber syndrome. The underlying mechanism involves the formation of a capillary malformation. Diagnosis is generally based on its appearance; though, in unclear cases this may be supported by a skin biopsy.

They may be improved with laser therapy. This is most effective if performed early in life. They result in concerns primarily due to their effect on appearances. They generally persist throughout life; with the area of affected skin growing proportionally to general growth.

Port-wine stain affect about 3 in a 1,000 newborns. They may negatively affect a person's confidence or have negative financial effects. They are so named for their color, which is similar to port wine, a type of fortified red wine. They were associated with supernatural causes in the medieval ages. Notable cases include that of Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1990s.