Wine Stains

What is a Wine Stain?

A wine stain, or port-wine stain, is a benign skin formation. This condition is characterized by the following features:

• it has a bright color ranging from pink to dark burgundy or wine-like (hence the name);
• it lacks defined contours and borders, often having an irregular shape resembling a geographic map;
• it is not size-restricted — in childhood, it may appear as a small wine-colored spot and grow proportionally with the body, covering more area over time;
• it is not noticeable to the touch, as the skin texture in this area remains unchanged, though slight thickening may develop over time;
• wine stains most commonly appear on the face and upper torso.

A unique characteristic of this condition is that it typically occurs only on one side of the body, either the left or the right, even if the stain becomes quite large.
Wine stains do not cause physical discomfort: they are usually red spots on the skin that do not itch, hurt, or get injured unless complicated by angiomas. The main issue is the aesthetic defect, which is nearly impossible to conceal.

The Cause of Wine Stains

A wine stain, or nevus, is a congenital vascular pathology. Red spots on the face or body appear due to abnormal development of blood vessels, where excessive blood accumulates because of pathological dilation. This is what gives the affected skin its bright coloration.

Since this is a congenital vascular condition, wine stains in infants are visible on the skin immediately after birth. They are not genetic in nature but develop during fetal development under the influence of the following triggers:

• pathological hormonal fluctuations in a pregnant woman caused by illnesses or medication use;
• infectious diseases of the urinary system during pregnancy;
• adverse environmental conditions related to living or working environments.

A wine stain in a child is visible immediately and begins to grow over time. The condition does not regress or “fade away” with age, as some might believe. Without treatment, it remains with the person for life and may, in some cases, lead to complications:

• if located on the temple or near the eye, it can result in glaucoma or vision impairments;
• skin thickening in the area of the stain can affect joint mobility if the stain is situated near a joint;
• angiomas may develop — nodules that grow from blood capillaries. Angiomas are prone to injury, bleeding, inflammation, and infection.

There is no specific diagnostic test for this condition: a specialist can diagnose it during a physical examination.

How to Remove a Wine Stain

Medical indications for the removal of wine stains include skin thickening, angiomas, or placement near the eyes. In other cases, the red skin mark can be treated with a laser purely at the patient’s discretion.

Since this is a vascular condition requiring blood vessel coagulation, laser removal is the optimal solution. At the LeoDerm clinic in Lviv, this procedure is performed using the modern Candela Vbeam Perfecta laser. The laser precisely targets the affected (pathologically dilated) blood vessels, coagulates them, and stops blood flow while not heating or damaging surrounding tissues.

After coagulation, the blood vessel becomes transparent, achieving the desired result — the skin takes on a lighter, more natural color.

Despite the high effectiveness of the procedure and visible results after the first session, the maximum effect will be noticeable after 3–4 weeks. However, complete removal may require several sessions. The exact number will be determined by the doctor, as the number of treatments and course duration are tailored individually.

Advantages of laser removal of wine stains:

• versatility - suitable for eliminating defects on both the face and body;
• no age restrictions - an important point since wine stains occur in children and teenagers;
• painless procedure;
• non-invasive - no punctures involved.

Another advantage of laser treatment (removal) is the lack of a complex preparation process and a very simple recovery period. After the procedure, it is essential to follow the doctor’s recommendations:

• avoid using cosmetic products not approved during the consultation;
• refrain from performing at-home or salon cosmetic procedures;
• protect the skin from sun exposure, as well as extreme high or low temperatures.

If you or your child have red spots on the body or face, accompanied by angiomas or noticeable thickening, schedule a consultation with a cosmetic doctor at the LeoDerm clinic today. Our specialists will provide professional advice and tailor an individual laser treatment plan to deliver excellent results. Don’t let this aesthetic issue affect your mood, relationships, or quality of life!