Facial conditions, in images

Port wine naevus

A capillary malformation in the skin that affects 0.1 to 2% of the population. It follows a genetic mutation. The abnormality is present at birth, increases in size with the growth of the child and presents with a well circumscribed flat, purple or red area which, over the years, becomes thicker and darker with a 'cobblestone' appearance. Port wine naevus may occur anywhere on the body but is most common on the head and neck. The diagnosis is a clinical one. Unless adequately treated and masked, patients can develop severe psychological problems through embarrassment or comments from others, and withdraw from social interactions and relationships. Sun protection is required as exposure darkens lesions. Treatments include laser therapy or cosmetic camouflage. Referral for further investigations and MRI scan might be necessary for naevi around the eye, forehead or scalp as they are associated with blood vessel abnormalities over the brain's surface, leading to the Sturge-Webber syndrome with risks of glaucoma, epilepsy, stroke and intellectual disability, or Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome on the legs, which can cause hypertrophy of the limb.