Will My Child’s Port Wine Birthmark Go Away?

Port wine birthmarks rarely fade on their own, and that’s bad news for parents who watch these distinctive red-purple patches on their child’s skin. These marks typically need proper medical attention from an early age.

At Hines Dermatology Associates in Attleboro, Massachusetts, Yvonne Hines, MD, and our clinical team understand your concerns about your child’s port wine birthmark. 

Parents frequently ask whether these marks disappear with time, and we’re here to give you straight answers and effective treatment options.

What exactly is a port wine birthmark?

A port wine birthmark, or port wine stain, is a type of vascular birthmark that appears as a flat, reddish-purple patch on your child’s skin. It comes from an abnormal development of blood vessels. These birthmarks can appear anywhere on the body, though they’re most common on the face.

Unlike some other birthmarks, port wine stains don’t grow or shrink with your child’s development. They usually grow proportionally with your child and can darken or thicken over time if left untreated.

Do port wine birthmarks fade naturally?

Unfortunately, port wine birthmarks don’t go away on their own. Without treatment, these marks typically persist throughout life and may even become more noticeable as your child grows. The skin can thicken and develop a cobblestone-like texture in adulthood.

Early intervention is crucial, and not just for cosmetic reasons. Port wine stains can sometimes be associated with other health conditions, like glaucoma and certain developmental delays, particularly when they appear on the face.

Treatment options that actually work

Our team at Hines Dermatology Associates offers several effective treatments for port wine birthmarks:

Laser therapy

Pulsed dye laser treatment is the gold standard for port wine stains. It targets the abnormal blood vessels without damaging surrounding tissue. Starting treatment early often yields the best results, with many children responding well after a few sessions.

Topical medications

Sirolimus ointment can help reduce redness and prevent thickening for certain port wine stains, particularly when it’s combined with laser therapy. Beta-blockers like timolol gel may lighten smaller birthmarks in infants. These medications restrict blood vessel growth or reduce blood flow to the affected area.

Regular monitoring

Even with treatment, we recommend regular check-ups to monitor the birthmark and address any changes promptly.

When to start treatment for the best results

The best time to begin treatment is in the first year of life. Early intervention typically leads to better outcomes because:

• Younger skin responds better to laser treatment
• Children require fewer total sessions when treatment starts early
• Early treatment can prevent the skin thickening that occurs later in life
• It helps address potential psychological impacts before school age.

Working with a dermatologist early on gives your child the best chance for lightening of the birthmark and helps prevent complications that might develop later.

Book your consultation today

If your child has a port wine birthmark, Dr. Hines and our team are ready to help. We create a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for your child’s needs. Call our office in Attleboro at 508-222-1976 today or book your appointment online.