[Psychosocial problems and their management in patients with port-wine stain of the face]

Psychosocial problems and coping in 20 patients with facial naevus flammeus and their families are described. They can be divided into two groups, one of 15 patients in whom coping strategies are regressive, and one of 5 patients in whom they are progressive. In the regressive patients the self-esteem is unstable and social contacts are difficult. The progressive patients are hardly aware of negative reactions from their environment and are scarcely affected in their social contacts. The indication for treatment is discussed.