nevus flammeus /flam″ē·əs/ , a flat capillary hemangioma that is present at birth and that varies from pale red to deep reddish purple. It most commonly occurs on the occiput and rarely causes any problems. If the lesion is on any other part of the body, it tends to be darker colored and, unlike the scalp lesions, does not regress spontaneously. These lesions most often occur on the face. The depth of the color depends on whether the superficial, middle, or deep dermal vessels are involved. On the face the lesion persists and develops a thick, verrucous, nodular surface. Nevus flammeus is usually unilateral, following the distribution of a cutaneous nerve. If the lesion is on the middle of the face, Sturge-Weber syndrome is suspected. Camouflage cosmetics are used to cover the lesion and are the treatment of choice. Also called port-wine stain. Compare Sturge-Weber syndrome.
