Vascular naevi

Vascular naevi are caused by dilated and tortuous, but otherwise normal blood vessels. Where capillary vessels are involved, a superficial or deep type may be described.

The superficial capillary naevi are caused by abnormal dilated vessels in the superficial dermis leading to salmon-coloured patches often on the face that will fade quite quickly. They are relatively common, occurring in approximately 50% of all neonates. The deeper capillary naevi are known as ‘port wine stains’, and because the vascular abnormality extends deeper into the dermis, these do not resolve and may even extend throughout life. The colour of the patches varies from pale pinkish red to dark purple; the colours will deepen with age. These changes can be associated with intracranial vascular changes and neurological pathology, so any child with a facial port wine stain should be investigated.