Definition

Stork bites are common vascular (blood vessel) lesions of the newborn. They consist of one or more pale red patches, most often seen in the midline on the forehead, eyelids, tip of the nose, upper lip, and at the hairline on the back of the neck.

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Alternative Names

Salmon patch; Nevus simplex

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Stork bites (also called salmon patches) occur in about one third of all newborn infants. They are flat, pink lesions with irregular borders, and they may become darker when the child cries or room temperature changes.

They fade with pressure, but when the pressure is removed, the reddish appearance returns. Stork bites clear on their own over a period of months and are gone by 18 months -- except for those on the back of the neck. These may persist for years, but are generally covered by hair.

Symptoms

  • May be present at birth, or appear in the first months of life
  • Are usually pale, pink, flat patches with normal skin texture found on the forehead, eyelids, nose, upper lip, or nape of neck
  • Are often symmetrical
  • Turn pale with pressure
  • May become lighter or darker with changes in room temperature
  • Fade by 18 months (except those on nape of neck)

Signs and tests

Physical examination is sufficient to diagnose stork bites. No testing is necessary.

Treatment

There is no treatment necessary. Lesions that persist past 3 years may be removed with a laser for improved appearance.

Expectations (prognosis)

The lesions normally disappear without treatment by the time the child is 18 months old.

Complications

There are usually no complications.

Calling your health care provider

All birthmarks should be examined by the health care provider during a routine well-baby examination.

Prevention

There is no known prevention.

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Review Date:7/22/2005
Reviewed By: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.