Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month

Every March, the United States observes Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and showing support for individuals born with birthmarks. Many of us have likely met someone with a birthmark at some point in our lives. Despite the fact that birthmarks appear in various shapes, sizes, and colors, and are present in about half the population, those with visible marks often face bullying, which is a significant concern. This observance serves to validate and support those with birthmarks, reminding them they are not alone.

Birthmarks are widespread globally, and their visibility varies depending on their location on the body. For instance, approximately half of all infants are born with a Stork Bite birthmark. These marks are simply skin discolorations that feel like any other skin. Strawberry marks, a type of vascular birthmark, are frequently seen in young children, developing within the first few weeks of life and ceasing growth by around age 10. Another common vascular birthmark is the Port-Wine Stain, which stems from absent or deficient nerve supply to blood vessels. Thankfully, most birthmarks are entirely harmless and cannot be transmitted to others, often becoming a unique and beautiful aspect of one’s appearance.

The awareness month also strives to combat the bullying and shaming of those with birthmarks. The UCSF Birthmarks & Vascular Anomalies Center, founded in 1991, offers care for patients with vascular growths, including those with Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome, lymphangioma, cavernous hemangioma, glomangioma, Proteus Syndrome, and other vascular anomalies. The center provides access to professionals such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, interventional radiologists, dermatologic surgeons, and otolaryngologists.

Key Milestones of Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month:

• 1976: The First Biennial Meeting of the International Workshop for the Study of Vascular Anomalies convenes in Boston.
• 1991: The Birthmark and Vascular Anomaly Center is founded, serving as a resource for medical professionals and patients with vascular tissues.
• 1994: The Vascular Birthmark Foundation is established to research and disseminate information on vascular birthmarks.
• 2015: The UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital opens, facilitating more accurate diagnoses of vascular anomalies.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How are venous malformations identified? Venous malformations are often recognized later in life and can be triggered by injuries or physiological changes like puberty or pregnancy.
2. What are lymphatic malformations?These occur when lymphatic vessels mistakenly transport lymphatic fluid and white blood cells outside the normal blood vessels.
3. Where are arteriovenous malformations found?Arteriovenous malformations can appear anywhere in the body, commonly in the brain, spinal cord, and extremities.

Ways to Observe Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month:

• Share the holiday: Raise awareness about birthmarks and support those impacted, whether in person or online.
• Make a donation: Contribute to organizations dedicated to the care of vascular anomalies, providing assistance to those in need.
• Do some research: Educate yourself about vascular anomalies to gain a better understanding and discover intriguing facts.

5 Interesting Facts About Vascular Malformations:

• These result from abnormal development of blood vessels.
• Venous malformations are the most prevalent type.
• They may be found in larger arteries and veins or smaller vessels like arterioles and venules.
• Vascular malformations can occur anywhere in the body.
• Treatments focus on alleviating symptoms.

The Importance of Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month:

• It spreads awareness by educating the public about vascular anomalies.
• It aims to stop bullying, advocating for fair treatment of those with vascular anomalies.
• It boosts confidence, helping individuals connect and realize they are not alone.

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What is the date of Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month every year?

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