Port-wine-stain-associated dermatitis: implications for cutaneous vascular laser therapy

Pediatr Dermatol. 2007 Jul-Aug;24(4):376-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2007.00453.x.

Abstract

Port-wine stains are congenital vascular malformations affecting 0.3% to 0.5% of infants. Dermatitis occurring exclusively or most severely within port-wine stains has been described in the literature. Traditionally, topical corticosteroid therapy has been used for the treatment of dermatitis, while pulseddye laser treatment is considered a safe and effective means of lightening the appearance of congenital port-wine stains. To describe the development of port-wine stain-associated dermatitis as well as a rational treatment approach to these patients, we studied three children with facial, limb, or truncal port-wine stains who developed dermatitis within the congenital vascular malformation either prior to or during treatment with pulseddye laser. Laser therapy of dermatitis-affected areas was subsequently deferred pending resolution of the dermatitis with topical corticosteroid or topical calcineurin inhibitor treatment. While pulseddye laser therapy is an effective means of lightening port-wine stains and achieving lasting resolution of any associated dermatitis, this therapy to dermatitis-affected areas should be postponed until the inflammation resolves to minimize the risk of laser-associated adverse effects.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Dermatitis / drug therapy
  • Dermatitis / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Low-Level Light Therapy*
  • Port-Wine Stain / complications*
  • Port-Wine Stain / radiotherapy*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents