[Treatment of naevi flammei with the argon laser]

We report on 901 patients with port wine stains treated by means of an argon laser. The treatment results have been definitively evaluated in 371 patients. They were significantly influenced by the patients' age and by the colour of the lesions. The worst response to the therapy was seen in pink port wine stains in children and juvenile patients (20% good results), in contrast to red and purple lesions in adult patients (80% excellent and good results). The size of the port wine stains did not significantly influence the treatment results, but in extensive lesions homogeneous lightening could not usually be attained and treatment often extended over some years. Port wine stains in the head and neck area responded best to therapy, and lesions on the legs, worst. Altogether, in 60%-70% of adult patients excellent or good results were obtained, the lesions being completely removed or significantly lightened and reduced in size. The side-effects of laser therapy were scar formation (7.3%) and changes in pigmentation (8.6%).