Reduced vasoactive responses in port wine stains

Abstract
Changes in skin blood flow and haemoglobin content of port wine stains and clinically normal contralateral skin were determined by laser-Doppler flowmetry and reflectance spectrophotometry in 14 patients after application of a vasodilating cream containing methyl nicotinate 1.0%, glycol salicylate 10.0% and capsaicin BPC 0.1% (Algipan cream) and in 16 patients after application of a corticosteroid tape containing flurandrenolone (Haelan tape). Changes in blood flow measured after application of vasodilator cream were significantly reduced in port wine stains compared with contralateral skin (P < 0.01). After application of the vasoconstrictor steroid tape changes in blood flow were significantly reduced in the port wine stains (P < 0.05) and changes in haemoglobin content were also significantly reduced in the port wine stains (P < 0.05) compared with normal skin (P < 0.05). These results support the concept of reduced autonomic intervation of cutaneous vasculature in port wine stains.