The Effects of Inflammation on Vascular Birthmarks
- Stephanie Tiangco
- Apr 29, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 28, 2024
Introduction
Living with a vascular birthmark presents unique challenges that only those affected can truly understand. My personal journey with a bilateral facial port wine stain has driven me to seek solutions for these challenges. As we work to manage our conditions, understanding the impact of inflammation on our birthmarks becomes crucial. Let look into ways that I have found have helped me to alleviate potential complications and enhance my daily life.
What are Vascular Birthmarks?
Vascular birthmarks are skin abnormalities that appear at birth or shortly thereafter. They are marks on the skin caused by blood vessels that have formed incorrectly. They can appear in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, typically in red, pink, or purple tones. The most common types of vascular birthmarks include hemangiomas, also known as strawberry birthmarks due to their bright red appearance and textured surface, and port-wine stains, which are flat, pink, red, or purple marks that vary in size and usually appear on the face, neck, arms, or legs. The thing to remember is that these birthmarks filled with blood (which is why they are the color red!). So mitigating Inflammation is crucial to reducing complications.
Significant Role of Inflammation in Vascular Birthmarks
It's important to understand that inflammation isn't inherently bad – it's the body's natural defense mechanism against injury. However, in the case of vascular birthmarks, chronic or recurrent inflammation can lead to worsening of the birthmark's appearance and can even cause complications such as tissue damage if left untreated.
My Experience with Inflammation
For those who don't know, I have a bilateral port wine stain that covers both sides of my face, my lower back, and down the back of my legs. As you can imagine, I have a lot of extra blood flow in those areas. In my experience, I feel the effects of inflammation mostly on my legs. On days where I sit at my desk for many hours (which is most days), I find my legs start throbbing from the blood pooling. I typically have to get up periodically to move around and sometimes lift my legs up to relieve the pressure. Those of us with vascular birthmarks on our legs are more prone to things like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). This is a serious health issue where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in your leg. DVT can cause pain and swelling, and if the clot moves to your lungs, it can lead to a dangerous condition called a pulmonary embolism. Sitting for a long time, like at a desk, can make this risk even worse because it lets blood collect in your veins. This is why it's important to see your healthcare provider and make them aware of any symptoms you might have.
My facial birthmark causes me issues in the morning. I usually sleep on my stomach or on my side and this, as you can imagine, isn't the best position to sleep when you have my type of birthmark. I've noticed that over time, the left side of my face tends to be more swollen than my right. This is probably for two reasons. First, the birthmark on my right side is broken up more because it has responded better over the years to the pulse dye laser treatments I've been getting since I was 6 years old. Second, as much as I try, I always end up sleeping on my left side! Gravity is not our friend. The good news is that I have come up with a few products and techniques that have helped me with all these issues.
Preventative Treatments to Fight Inflammation
Before we get into it, remember, I am not a medical provider. These are things that I have found help me to manage my symptoms. I have had really good results, but please consult your doctor before trying any of this to make sure any of these are right for you.
There are 3 things that I use to relieve my symptoms.
Lymphatic Drainage
Cold Compress
Diet
1. Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Lymphatic drainage massage is another treatment that can help manage inflammation. This type of massage aims to stimulate the lymphatic system, which helps the body get rid of waste and toxins. By promoting the flow of lymph (a clear, yellowish fluid that circulates around the body's tissues, carrying cells that help fight infection and disease), this massage can help to reduce swelling and inflammation, potentially reducing the negative aspects of your birthmark. This can be performed by a massage professional, but there are may resources available online so you can do this yourself at home. This is a great tutorial on how to perform a lymphatic drainage massage.
2. Cold Compress
It seems obvious, but applying cold compress to your birthmark is a great way to bring down inflammation. Just like if you bonk your head, applying ice will bring the swelling down. I hate being cold, so if you’re like me, applying ice to your birthmark sounds like the worst idea ever: especially if, like me, your birthmark is on your face.
What I do instead is:
Wash face with your favorite cleanser: Anytime you touch your face, you want to make sure your hand are clean. The last thing you want is to push dirt into your pores, which will also cause inflammation. (click here for my favorite products for keeping your skin healthy)
Soak a clean wash cloth in cold water: Take a clean wash cloth and soak it with cold water, ring it, then place it on your face. Repeat this process at least 3 times. I have found that this works well first thing in the morning to counteract any pooling that may have occurred form sleeping face down.
Apply a daily moisturizer: This is the perfect time to hydrate your skin and get it ready for the day. If you are heading out into the sun, make sure to apply some sort of sun protection. UV damage should be avoided by everyone, but especially those of us with birthmarks.
3. Diet
Diet plays a big role in managing inflammation in our bodies. Some foods, like processed meats, sugary drinks, fried foods, refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pastries, and oils like vegetable and soybean oil, can cause inflammation.
For people with vascular birthmarks, following an anti-inflammatory diet might help reduce symptoms. Anti-inflammatory diets are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Foods high in antioxidants include fruits like strawberries, blueberries, oranges, and cherries, as well as vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fatty fish like salmon and tuna, and nuts like almonds and walnuts. Including these foods in your diet can help reduce inflammation and possibly lessen complications from vascular birthmarks.
Other Things to Consider:
In addition to these treatments, the way you sleep can also impact inflammation. Sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated can help reduce swelling by promoting proper blood flow and lymphatic drainage. Using a supportive pillow can help maintain this position throughout the night.
Something that has helped me is purchasing an adjustable bed. The ability to elevate your head as well as your legs keeps blood from pooling at you birthmarks. I know this seems like a luxury item, but these have come down in price over the past few years and there are also companies that will offer a trial period with no penalty, so you can see if this works for you.
Here are a few you might want to try.
Products for Those Dealing with Vascular Birthmarks
Managing the complications from vascular birthmarks sometimes requires more than these strategies. There are several products available that can help to soothe, protect, and if you choose, reduce the visibility of these birthmarks.
Firstly, a high-quality moisturizer can help keep the skin hydrated and healthy, reducing potential irritation. Look for moisturizers that are hypoallergenic to avoid further inflammation. Over the past year, I've been using Guerlain Fortifying Lotion.
Check out my review or Guerlain's full line below:
Secondly, if your birthmark is in an area exposed to the sun, a broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential. Regular application can protect the skin from sun damage, which can exacerbate inflammation and darken the birthmark. Opt for sunscreens with a high SPF and ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for the best protection.
If you choose to cover your birthmark, like I sometimes do, makeup can also be a good way to protect your skin from the elements. Just be careful to choose the correct makeup for your skin. You don't want to put anything on your face that can make things worse. I have tried everything and have trusted brands that are not only safe, but can actually help keep your skin healthy. One of my all time favorites is Lancôme Teint Idôle Classic Long Wear Foundation.
Lastly, for those experiencing inflammation or pain, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory creams containing ingredients like ibuprofen or hydrocortisone can provide temporary relief. However, these should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider to prevent potential side effects.
Remember, while these products can aid in managing vascular birthmarks, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice and treatment. Always consult with a healthcare professional for the best course of action for managing your specific condition.
Conclusion
Managing inflammation in vascular birthmarks is crucial. Without treatment, inflammation can exacerbate birthmarks and cause complications. Control methods include lymphatic drainage massage, cold compresses, diet changes, and simple lifestyle adjustments like sleeping position. Beneficial products like moisturizers, sunscreens, and anti-inflammatory creams can help, but always consult a healthcare provider first. Despite challenges, proper knowledge and tools enable better birthmark management and improved life quality.
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