Stork bite
Salmon patch; Nevus flammeusA 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.
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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.
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Exams and Tests
Your health care provider can diagnose a stork bite simply by looking at it. No tests are needed.
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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.
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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.
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When to Contact a Medical Professional
Your provider should look at all birthmarks during a routine well-baby exam.
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Prevention
There is no known prevention.
References
Dinulos JGH. Vascular tumors and malformations. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide in Diagnosis and Therapy. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 23.
Long KA, Martin KL. Dermatologic diseases of the neonate. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 666.
Moon M, Guerrero AM, Li X, Koch E, Gehris RP. Dermatology. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 8.