Characterization of port wine stain skin erythema and melanin content using cross‐polarized diffuse reflectance imaging

Objective methods to assess quantitatively port wine stain (PWS) blanching in response to laser therapy are needed to improve laser therapeutic outcome. Previous studies have attempted to assess objectively PWS color based on point measurement devices. To date, these approaches have typically been limited by a number of factors such as small test area and need for contact. To address these issues, a cross‐polarized diffuse reflectance imaging system and color image analysis method has been developed to evaluate quantitatively erythema and melanin content in PWS skin.