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Stork bite
Salmon patch; Nevus flammeus
A stork bite is a common type of birthmark seen in a newborn. It is most often temporary.
The medical term for a stork bite is nevus simplex. A stork bite is also called a salmon patch.
Causes
Stork bites occur in about one third of all newborns.
A stork bite is due to a stretching (dilation) of certain blood vessels. It may become darker when the child cries or the temperature changes. It may fade when pressure is put on it.
Symptoms
A stork bite usually looks pink and flat. A baby may be born with a stork bite. It may also appear in the first months of life. Stork bites may be found on the forehead, eyelids, nose, upper lip, or back of the neck.
Exams and Tests
A health care provider can diagnose a stork bite simply by looking at it. No tests are needed.
Treatment
No treatment is needed. If a stork bite lasts longer than 3 years, it may be removed with a laser to improve the person's appearance.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Most stork bites on the face go away completely in about 18 months. Stork bites on the back of the neck usually do not go away.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
The health care provider should look at all birthmarks during a routine well-baby exam .
Well-baby exam
Childhood is a time of rapid growth and change. Children have more well-child visits when they are younger. This is because development is faster d...
Prevention
There is no known prevention.
References
Enjorlras O. Vascular malformations. In: Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Schaffer JV, et al, eds. Dermatology . 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2012:chap 104.
Habif TP. Vascular tumors and malformations. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology . 6th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 23.
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Stork bite - illustration
A stork bite is a vascular lesion quite common in newborns consisting of one or more pale red patches of skin. Most often stork bites appear on the forehead, eyelids, tip of the nose, upper lip or back of the neck. They are usually gone within 18 months of birth.
Stork bite
illustration
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Neonate - illustration
A newly born infant is also called a neonate.
Neonate
illustration
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Stork bite - illustration
A stork bite is a vascular lesion quite common in newborns consisting of one or more pale red patches of skin. Most often stork bites appear on the forehead, eyelids, tip of the nose, upper lip or back of the neck. They are usually gone within 18 months of birth.
Stork bite
illustration
-
Neonate - illustration
A newly born infant is also called a neonate.
Neonate
illustration
Review Date: 4/11/2015
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, medical director and director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
