Paediatric vascular birthmarks--the psychological impact and the role of the GP.
BACKGROUND
This study was designed to investigate the psychosocial impact on the family of a child with a vascular birthmark and examine the role of the general practitioner in meeting the family's needs.


METHODS
Nineteen families were interviewed with a questionnaire before their assessment at the Sydney Children's Hospital (New South Wales) Vascular Birthmarks Clinic.


RESULTS
Sixty-eight percent of parents overestimated the size of their child's lesion when asked to draw it; 15% said some lifestyle modifications had to be made to accommodate their child's condition; 63% were concerned about their child being teased at school; and 36% had issues of self blame and embarrassment. Expectations from the clinic included information (68%), treatment (47%) and reassurance (26%).


CONCLUSIONS
Vascular birthmarks are common. Treatment strategies are improving, but there is a need to adequately address the psychosocial impact that these lesions have, both on parents and children. The GP is the carer best placed to meet these needs.
Sandler
Gideon
G
Department of Academic Surgery, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales. gideonsandler@optusnet.com.au
Adams
Susan
S
Taylor
Claire
C
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001165:Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D005194:Family Practice; D018324:Hemangioma, Capillary / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D044148:Lymphatic Abnormalities / Q000523:psychology*; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011379:Prognosis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires