Stork bite birthmarks, which affect 50% of babies, are harmless and usually disappear within a year or two. They are caused by dilated capillaries and are most commonly found on the nape, head, eyelids, nose, upper lip, or forehead. Laser treatment is available but is usually unnecessary.
A stork bite birthmark, also known as nevus flammeus nuchae, nevus simplex, a salmon spot, or an angel’s kiss, is a type of birthmark that develops in about 50 percent of all babies. In most cases, however, stork bites go away within a year or two after birth. There are no temporary or permanent health problems, risk factors, or side effects associated with stork bite birthmark.
Stork bite injuries occur when capillaries under the skin dilate or stretch. The capillaries become slightly enlarged, which means they carry more blood. With more blood near the surface of the skin, it turns pink. The affected capillaries are a remnant of gestation, when extra blood vessels were present to provide nourishment to the growing fetus.
Stork bites are usually light pink in color and are most often found on the baby’s nape or head, eyelids, nose, upper lip, or forehead. They have irregular edges, but often appear somewhat symmetrical in shape. The color of the birthmark may become darker with changes in ambient temperature or if the baby starts crying. Applying light pressure to a stork bite causes it to disappear, and the mark reappears when the pressure is removed.
These flat birthmarks do not thicken the skin, cause skin roughness or other unusual textures, and are not painful for the baby. Most stork bites vanish before the baby is twelve to eighteen months old. Rarely, the birthmark may remain instead of fading; this usually happens when the mark is on the back of the child’s neck.
Babies with stork bite do not need to undergo any diagnostic tests, as the birthmark can easily be diagnosed with just the sight. The injuries are temporary, cause no pain or other symptoms, and rarely cause side effects or complications. While these birthmarks are virtually always harmless, they should still be checked regularly during examinations of your healthy baby, as the risk of side effects is rare but still possible.
Stork bites that do not fade can be removed with laser treatment. However, this type of treatment is often not necessary, as birthmarks are usually covered if the hair is worn long. Laser treatment is in these cases a purely cosmetic therapy, as there is no danger in leaving marks on the skin. Many parents allow the child to choose whether to have treatment when he is old enough to decide.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
