Treatment Update of Port-Wine Stain: A Narrative Review

J Drugs Dermatol. 2021 May 1;20(5):515-518. doi: 10.36849/JDD.5005.

Abstract

Port-wine stain (PWS) is a congenital vascular malformation affecting 0.3–0.5% of normal population. These characteristic lesions arise due to the interplay of vascular, neural, and genetic factors. Treatment options include lasers, cosmetic tattooing, electrotherapy, cryosurgery, derma-abrasion, and skin grafting; however, none of these treatment alternatives appears to be satisfactory and is unable to provide consistent, satisfactory responses or even complete cures. Currently, laser is the treatment of choice, as it is comparatively safe and more effective than other procedures. The most commonly used modality is pulsed dye laser (PDL). The literature research includes peer-reviewed articles (clinical trials or scientific reviews). Studies were identified by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE and PubMed) to January 2020 and reference lists of respective articles. Only articles published in English language were included. J Drugs Dermatol. 20(5): doi:10.36849/JDD.5005.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Cosmetic Techniques / instrumentation
  • Cosmetic Techniques / trends*
  • Cosmetics / administration & dosage
  • Cryosurgery / methods
  • Cryosurgery / trends
  • Dermabrasion / methods
  • Dermabrasion / trends
  • Dermatology / methods*
  • Dermatology / trends
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / methods
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / trends
  • Emollients / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Lasers, Dye / therapeutic use*
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Port-Wine Stain / psychology
  • Port-Wine Stain / therapy*
  • Quality of Life
  • Skin / drug effects
  • Skin / radiation effects
  • Tattooing / trends
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Cosmetics
  • Emollients