Psychosocial stress of patients with port wine stains and expectations of dye laser treatment.

BACKGROUND

Port wine stains can be treated successfully with the dye laser in most cases. The indication for treatment is made on the basis of the emotional stress arising from the port wine stain. Studies of the extent of psychosocial stress to date have led to contradictory results.

OBJECTIVE

To address the question how many patients with port wine stain suffer psychosocial stress and how this group can further be characterized. Moreover, the specific expectations of treatment were to be elucidated.

METHODS

During dye laser treatment, 76 patients with port wine stains were evaluated by questionnaires regarding (a) emotional well-being, (b) quality of life, (c) body perception and (d) disease-specific stress and expectations of therapy.

RESULTS

Patients with port wine stains showed significantly higher emotional stress than healthy controls. They were particularly impaired in quality of life with respect to their social life and felt less attractive than a healthy control group. Patients with high emotional stress placed high hopes on the laser therapy with regard to chances of employment and social contacts.

CONCLUSION

The data point to the need for thorough patient consultation prior to laser therapy in order to avoid excessive expectations. Psychological consultation is recommended for emotionally labile PWS patients.