What is a port-wine birthmark?

Pediatr Dermatol. 2026 Mar-Apr;43(2):458-459. doi: 10.1111/pde.70196.

Abstract

A port-wine birthmark is a flat, red or purple birthmark. It happens when tiny blood vessels in the skin don't form the way they should. You might also hear it called a port-wine stain, nevus flammeus, or capillary malformation.

MeSH terms

  • Capillaries / abnormalities
  • Humans
  • Port-Wine Stain* / diagnosis
  • Port-Wine Stain* / pathology
  • Skin / blood supply
  • Skin / pathology