What is the common name for nevus flammeus?

Nevus flammeus is commonly referred to as port-wine stains. This term describes the characteristic appearance of these flat, reddish-purple marks on the skin, which are caused by persistent dilatation of dermal blood vessels. They typically present at birth and can vary in size and location.

Port-wine stains are a type of capillary malformation and may remain unchanged throughout a person's life, in contrast to other vascular birthmarks such as hemangiomas, which often grow initially and then regress over time. The differentiation between port-wine stains and other vascular or pigmented lesions is crucial in pediatric dermatology, as their treatment and implications can differ significantly. Furthermore, other terms like strawberry mark and Mongolian spot refer to different types of skin lesions, thus reinforcing the significance of using the correct terminology in clinical settings.