Simulation of color of port wine stain skin and its dependence on skin variables

Background and Objective: The understanding of why Port Wine Stain (PWS) sk in is redder and darker as compared to normal skin has so far been based on qualitative analysis. This study aims at quantitatively analyzing the infl uence of skin anatomy variables on perceived skin color. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Reflectance spectra for visible light from no rmal and Port Wine Stain skin have been calculated using a Monte Carlo algo rithm applied to a multilayered skin model. Skin parameters that were varie d are pigmentation, dermal scattering, dermal blood concentration, blood ox ygenation, vessel diameter, and vessel depth. The CIE 1976 color system was used to interpret the resulting spectra as colors. Results: A reduced dermal blood content results in a less red and lighter c olor. Distribution of a constant volume of blood in smaller vessels results in a redder and darker color. Skin with higher dermal scattering was calcu lated to be yellower and lighter and skin with increased epidermal pigmenta tion results in a yellower and darker color. Conclusions: Redness of PWS skin depends on both the concentration of derma l blood as well as on how it is distributed. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.