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 less than 0.01). After application of the vasoconstrictor steroid tape changes in blood flow were significantly reduced in the port wine stains (P less than 0.05) and changes in haemoglobin content were also significantly reduced in the port wine stains compared with normal skin (P less than 0.05). These results support the concept of reduced autonomic innervation of cutaneous vasculature in port wine stains.